In recent years, teachers and researchers have begun to investigate and make use of the role of new technology and social media in language classrooms. This study focuses on the role of student-led social media, completely free of teacher input, and the influence and perceived positive effects it can have on group bonding and cohesion. It found that participation in a class LINE group was utilized for a variety of practical and personal purposes, which was seen by the students to have had a positive effect in terms of building relationships and providing a supportive and enjoyable information network of peers. This can be said to have led to a more cohesive and bonded group that felt engaged and committed to the class.
本論は学生主導のLINEグループが果たす役割について、日本の2つの大学における必修コミュニケーション英語クラスの1年生を対象に調査した。結果として、学生が自主的に始めたLINEグループは、実践的で個人的な多様な目的に機能を果たし、学生同士の協力的なネットワークができ、授業への貢献度が上がるという点で、全体的に明確な効果があった。これらの結果は、日本人の集団への帰属性という見地から、学生主導のLINEグループの作成が帰属集団となり、そこに力学的結束力を生み出すという観点を示唆している。
