How do L2 student moderators facilitate a peer-led discussion forum?

Abstract

Assigning students as moderators in online discussion forums is considered to be an effective strategy; however, a review of the literature indicates that previous studies have primarily focused on instructors as facilitators. Inquiries into the behaviours of student facilitators are under-researched, especially in the field of SLA. This presentation reports findings of a study conducted at a university of China. Based on the posted messages of seven student moderators of a L5 English for Academic Purposes course, the study reveals that they employed sixteen strategies and performed four major roles during the process of leading an online discussion: a knowledge constructor, a team builder, a motivator and an organiser. The results suggest that allocating students a facilitating role is a viable and effective strategy to foster learner autonomy and nurture student leaders. The presentation will conclude with pedagogical implications and recommendations which might be useful to educators in a similar context.