1) What are the characteristics of classroom interaction in junior high school?

2) What is problem of EFL classroom interaction?

3) What is solution to the problem of EFL classroom?

1.2 Significance of the Study

As we all know, traditional English class often takes the form of the Initiation-Response-Feedback sequence. However, this kind of sequence is proved to negatively affects the quality of interaction because students have less opportunities to take initiatives in class. This study could indicate what teacher and students actually interact and how knowledge is constructed to students in classroom. The results of study could help English teacher adjust teaching method to help students better participate in classroom interaction.

Many studies show that classroom interaction affects effectiveness of classroom teaching by affecting classroom atmosphere, teaching feedback and students’ participation. Interaction itself is a learning process. The purpose is to obtain real interactive material that provides networking opportunities and timely feedback. Therefore, this study could help English teacher better understand classroom interaction process which could effectively involves students in classroom activities.

From a pedagogic perspective, the findings of this study could reveal real classroom interaction in junior high school English class. From a theoretical view, this study could contribute to further research of classroom interaction and finding effective ways to enhance classroom interaction in junior high school.

1.3 Outline of the Thesis

This thesis is pided into five chapters. The contents of each chapter are as follows:

Chapter one is a general introduction to the research which reveals the background of the study, the significance of the study and the outline of the thesis. Chapter two offers a literature review about classroom interaction and relevant theories. Chapter three focuses on characteristics of classroom interaction. Chapter four shows classroom observation and analysis of two junior high school English classes. Chapter five provides a conclusion about the study, including findings, problems, strategies and limitations.

2. Literature Review

2.1 Interaction

Interaction refers to the collaborative exchange of thoughts, feelings, or ideas between two or more people resulting in a reciprocal effect on each other (Brown,1994). Communicative theories attach great importance to interaction as human being use language in various contexts to “negotiate” meaning, or simply stated, to get one idea out of your head and into the head of another person by voice. Exchange is the basic unit of discourse. Linguistic interaction is a collaborative activity involving the establishment of a triangular relationship between the sender, the receiver and the context of situation. (Wells, 1981). As a result, interaction involves the participation of speaker and listener, who work out negotiated interpretations of certain idea or information in a certain context, no matter the communication is verbal or nonverbal.