Texting to Motivate Language Learning: WhatsApp Group Chats and Near Peer Role Modeling (NPRM)

  • Aliya Gimranova Nazarbayev University
  • Madina Nurmanova Nazarbayev University
  • A. S. CohenMiller Nazarbayev University
Keywords: learning with technology, collaboration, student motivation, texting, language acquisition, WhatsApp, stealth language learning, Near Peer Role Modeling, 21st century learning

Abstract

During the Soviet era, the Kazakh language underwent harsh times and was on the brink of extinction from urban areas in Kazakhstan. Today, the country is paving its way towards reviving the language. This article details an effort to support Kazakh language learning in motivating secondary school students through the use of technology. Through the development of a small-scale project connecting university students as Near Peer Role Models (NPRM) with secondary school students, we used WhatsApp texting group chats as a means to encourage authentic communication in the Kazakh language and discovered five tangible results and suggested next steps.

Published
2018-01-14
How to Cite
Gimranova, A., Nurmanova, M., & CohenMiller, A. S. (2018). Texting to Motivate Language Learning: WhatsApp Group Chats and Near Peer Role Modeling (NPRM). LEARNing Landscapes, 11(1), 121-135. https://doi.org/10.36510/learnland.v11i1.927