The structure of collaborative problem solving in a virtual math team

To develop a science of small-group interaction in groupware, we need a method for analyzing the structure of computer-mediated discourse. Conversation analysis offers an analysis of conversational talk in terms of a fine structure of adjacency pairs and offers some suggestions about longer sequences built on these pairs. This paper presents a case study of students solving a math problem in an online chat environment. It shows that their problem-solving discourse consists of a sequence of exchanges, each built on a base adjacency pair and each contributing a move in the solution process. Categories and Subject Descriptors H.5.3 [Group and Organization Interfaces]: Computersupported cooperative work, Evaluation/methodology, Theory and models – interaction analysis, group cognition, computersupported collaborative learning. General Terms Design, Experimentation, Human Factors, Theory. Keywords Group Cognition, Virtual Math Teams, Interaction Analysis, Conversation Analysis, Adjacency...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2011
• Where: ICONFERENCE
• Authors: Gerry Stahl
• Keywords: Adjacency Pair, Conversation Analysis, ICONFERENCE 2011, Information Technology, Interaction Analysis