Interactive Learning Between Chinese Students Learning English and English Students Leaning Chinese on the Platform of Wiki

Introduction

The present situation of foreign language learning still focuses on classroom instructions: language tutors introduce vocabulary, explain grammar rules and students practise pattern drills accordingly; whereas out-of-class, learners lack the opportunity to get involved in activities with other learners of the same target language, and have little chance to be directly involved in productive activities with native speakers (NS). Even with those who have physical contact with NSs, psychological and or social factors prevent them from taking part in the activities: some of the learners are too shy to approach NSs, and some others are not sure if the NSs are willing to use the language with them or not. There are some “English corners” or “language communities” for foreign students to practise English (Gao, 2009; Wang, 2010), but activities like this for English speakers who practise Chinese are few and far between; learners also lack the opportunity for autonomous learning, as the participation in activities is either peripheral or arranged by language tutors, not real use in communication. Language learners are very often asked to practice in artificially created situations where the participation is hardly real, or they are left in a situation where the prescribed syllabus, learning materials and learning goals are set by authorities rather than by the learners themselves. The way to integrate linguistic knowledge learning in class and language practice after class remains as a question for educators and language practitioners.