The effect of dynamic assessment in synchronous computer-mediated communicationon on iranian EFL learners’ listening comprehension ability at upper-intermediate level

Abstract

The present paper concentrates on a web-based inquiry in the synchronous computer mediated communication (SCMC) via Web 2.0 technologies of Talk and Write and Skype. It investigates EFL learners’ socio-cognitive progress through dynamic assessment (DA), which follows Vygotsky’s inclination for supportiveinterchange in the zone of proximal development.Sixty adult EFL learners at upper-intermediate level were randomly assigned to the control and experimental groups. The participants in the experimental group were involved in dynamic assessment in synchronous computer-mediated communication for seven weeks. The results reveal that, through interactions in the ZPD, DA in synchronous computer mediated communication lets usexplore not only the actual level of learners’ listening ability but also to diagnose and assess the potential level of their listening development.