Cmap Linking Phrase Constraint for the Structural Narrowing of Constructivist Second Language Tasks

In constructivist second language (L2) learning environments, particularly in relatively teacher-remote situations such as those involving Learning Management Systems (LMS), task performance freedom can be an obstacle to the achievement of specific educational objectives. This paper presents an example of task narrowing achieved by Cmap interface related task design. The relations represented by Cmap links are defined by linking phrases, so in L2 task involving mapping, by constraining the content of the linking phrases it is possible to constrain learner behavior towards more articulate expression, while still retaining a beneficial degree of task performance freedom. Such constraint can push the learner to very specific language structure behaviors, e.g. forced articulation at the argument level of discourse. This purposeful constraining of task is illustrated by the author's work with the informal technical academic English register (used for example in science magazines and presentation scripts. This paper presents the process of the author's adaptation of Cmaps and CmapTools for L2 learner analysis of technical text and for the subsequent writing of technical text, using Cmaps for the framing of argument analysis. The approach described here provides the technical academic writing (TAW) learner with a graphical, text-reduced mapping that constitutes a view of how the technical academic genres are constructed, and how they function as carriers of meaning. In conclusion, questions are framed for the development and consolidation of this approach.