Socialization into L2 Academic Culture Through Leading Discussion Circles

Abstract

This study attempts to yield a better understanding of the difficulties international students are facing in their socialization process into North-American academic culture through leading discussion circles in their ESL academic speaking and listening class. Drawing on the language socialization perspective, it examined the reflections of the students on their experiences. The data was obtained through self-reflection, interview, tape recordings of discussion and classroom observation. The analysis showed that that the students became socialized into their L2 academic culture by support from and cooperation with their class members, and also by the help of their reflective writings, in which they analyzed their struggles.