protocol. The source of the task compares active learners and passive learners with
seven episodes corresponding to the six characteristics and the conclusion of being
an active learner (see the script of the mini-lecture in Appendix 7).
7.4.2 The First Characteristic of Being an Active Learner
High Achiever: (Gao, TEM 4 Total: 72; TEM 8 2010: 6; TEM 8 2013: 5.5)
Gao: She saidno one wouldsat down reading with no intention to know what why to
read orwhat to know. Um. Thefirst is know what theywant to know from reading.
When we read something from sentence to sentence, from quote to quote, butstick to
specific words, to the meaning of this word. We are actually thepassive reader.
Passive learner, because at last of the sentence, the lecturer said you are actually a
passive learner. Active learners at the beginning will, at the beginning will...Ok,
during the reading, they willcheck their understanding, and after theyfinish reading,
they will, they can, they are able toexplain the meaning of their reading. (116 words)
Low Achiever: (Wang, TEM 4 Total: 77; TEM 2010: 3; TEM 8 2013: 2.5)
Wang: Thefirst characteristic isactive learner will seek goals andset goals when
they are reading or learning. They tend toread with purpose. Someone will be in this
situation when they are learning. Um. They will, maybe they don’tthe meaning of
the word they are reading, so, this kind of way ispassive learning. Active learners
willset goals before they are reading and another action, I don’t catch it. So, they will
after reading, active learners will um, they will, sorry, I don’t catch it. (89 words)
Observation
Based on quantity of two protocols, obviously Wang retained much less infor-
mation than Gao. Based on quality of two protocols, the cognitive operations
involved in retelling of the given part are different:first, the high achiever para-
phrased most of the propositional units, except the ironical use of“assignment”and
active learners’“setting goals”before reading; the low achiever deleted some of the
important propositional units, such as“checking understanding”while reading,
“explain main points”after reading, etc. Another important thing worth mentioning
is that their response toward the vague part is different (see discussion below).
7.4.3 The Second Characteristic of Being an Active Learner
High Achiever
Gao: The second characteristic is, um, yes, know, understanding,know the
meaning you are reading. Ok, because knowingwhy you are reading actually make
youparticipate in this reading exercise.Reflect on, reflect on the meaning andbe
critical. And active learnerreflects, reflects thenew information with theirold
7.4 Comparison Between a High-Achiever... 121