enhances reading comprehension, improves students’ writing skills and abilities [6]. develops writing and learning strategies [5]. has a positive impact on the content and increases the amount of writing of learners [7]. makes students pay close attention to the formal aspects of writing, both in terms of word choice, structure, and word spelling, attending to sentence and paragraph structure as well as adapting academic style, register and appropriate word [8]. Diminishes barriers to learning English by providing them the opportunity to write freely without being judged for their grammatical mistakes [9]. develops ideas and provide feedback for the authors [10]. enhances student analytical and critical thinking skills [11] increases student motivation in reading and writing, promotes learner independence and autonomy, and enhances students’ analytical and critical thinking skills [12].
The article highlights the effectiveness of collaborative and cooperative language learning activities such as school exchanges and pairing students with counterparts abroad. It also bring up the issue of difficult assessment gets in the way and brings to the front solo performances and summative examinations.
I certainly agree with this as being an effective way to language learning. We in the military community use the group/pair work approach for many reasons. Pair work keeps them interested and motivated to learn. It also makes better use of class time. I also think that when the students are ready for the OPI, they generally do better than if they were in a traditional classroom. As for assessment, yes it is more difficult, but it is up to us as instructors to find ways to measure the students' performance based on the interaction. Once the student is in country, it will be up to him/her to communicate with others. That will be the true test.
