Analyses of Verbal Interaction among Students in Small Group Science Learning Using Smart Devices

In this study, we analyzed verbal interactions in small group science learning using smart devices by the level of prior achievement. Four heterogeneous groups at a coed high school in Seoul participated. Verbal interactions during small group science learning were audio- and video-taped, transcribed, and analyzed. Verbal interactions were analyzed at the levels of a turn and an interaction unit. The results revealed that the frequencies of verbal interactions were high in task category, especially at information explanation, information question, and reflection on standards subcategories. Furthermore, the frequencies of high-level students at direction explanation, reflection on standards and progress subcategories were higher than those of low-level students, and the frequencies of low-level students at direction question and information explanation subcategories were higher than their counterpart. In the analyses of the interaction units, the frequencies in symmetric elaborated interaction were high, especially at cumulative and evaluative subcategories.