This article reports the findings of a quasi-experimental study that extended over two consecutive semesters to gauge the effect of collaborative learning activities within peer response groups on 42 Saudi subjects’ perceived peer social support. Results show that many subjects experienced poor social and behavioral skills and insufficient peer acceptance that negatively affected their social competence. Most students worked to maintain group harmony during discussion interactions by avoiding making direct corrections to their peer’s drafts or giving straightforward suggestions to improve their compositions. Results of the study suggest that the impact of group work remains limited in the Saudi educational context which indicates a need for further research on the nature of relationship between group work and the prevailing cultural norms in this particular educational setting.
Building Bridges To Academic Discourses: The Peer Group Leader in Basic Writing Peer Response Groups
