THE AFFECTIVE RELATIONSHIP BUILT IN A GROUP OF CONTINUING EDUCATION INSERTED IN A CONTEXT OF DISTANCE LEARNING

Abstract

Affection is an essential component in the teaching and learning process, influencing decision-making processes of both teachers and students (NESPOR, 1987; ROSIEK, 2003). This paper aims at discussing affective relationships built among master students in a distance program of a public University in Brazil. Participants were 13 Applied Linguistics students and data were gathered through on-line forums, questionnaires and group interview. The analysis revealed that affective relationships built in the group facilitated the interaction of those involved in the teaching and learning process. The teacher’s role proved particularly important in establishing a motivating atmosphere, triggering the formation of attitudes that enabled a positive distance learning experience by the participants.

Keywords

• Affective relationship
• Interactions
• Distance learning