kathleen b. jones clinton city schools jonesk@clintonschools.org kathleen b. jones...

Kathleen B. Jones jonesk@clintonschools.org

Formal Approaches to Second Language

AcquisitionKathleen B. Jones

Clinton City Schoolsjonesk@clintonschools.org

Noam Chomsky - Language is a natural biological process. Although language rules may not be similar-

the ability to identify correctly formed sentences is universal and independent of meaning.

LAD – Language Acquisition Device Universal Grammar – a set of universal rules

that govern language.

Innatism Approach

Kathleen B. Jonesjonesk@clintonschools.org

Kathleen B. Jones jonesk@clintonschools.org

Myles (2008) If humans have LAD, this could place constraints on second language acquisition.

Innate language learning during L1 could hinder L2 learning.

Explains why young learners learn L1 easier than L2

Innatism Approach

Kathleen B. Jones jonesk@clintonschools.org

Emphasis on learner interaction and the social aspects of language learning

Studies the nature of interactions that take place in second language learning

Interactionist Approach

Kathleen B. Jones jonesk@clintonschools.org

Research shows that interactions and error corrections assist in promoting second language acquisition

Learning involves interactions between learners, teachers, and peers (Vygostky, 1986).

Interactionist Approach (Cont.)

Kathleen B. Jones jonesk@clintonschools.org

Critical Period Hypothesis◦ Natural language takes place between the critical ages of two years to about

age twelve (Lenneburg)◦ Before age two the brain is not developed enough

and after age twelve the brain experiences loss of plasticity

◦ Lateralization of the language function in the brain is complete around puberty

◦ Critical period limits L1 and L2 acquisition

Critical Factors in SLA

Kathleen B. Jones jonesk@clintonschools.org

Contextual factors

◦ Language L1 and L2 similarities and differences L1 proficiency Knowledge of L2 Attitudes Dialect and register

◦ Learner Diversity in classroom Support groups Home environment Goals for language learning

◦ Learning Process Learning style Cultural influences Motivation Interactions

Critical factors in SLA

Kathleen B. Jones jonesk@clintonschools.org

Respect student errors. Address errors that students are capable of

correcting. Self-repair is preferable to other-repair. Develop strategies to help students

overcome avoidance. Remember – student errors are a precious

resource.

Tips For Teachers

Kathleen B. Jones jonesk@clintonschools.org

Be aware of the validity of components of innateness.(Can explain what we don’t understand about student learning.)

Interactionist approach used in CCS

◦ High degree of interactions in the classroom

◦ Curriculum requires us to use this approach

◦ Assessment requires us to use this approach

◦ Will help student learn English at a faster rate

◦ Vocabulary instruction is enhanced

◦ Our instruction of teaching reading, writing, speaking and listening is based on the interactionist approach.

Interactionist Approach in Clinton City Schools

Kathleen B. Jones jonesk@clintonschools.org

Credibility with innatist theories Interactionist theory more useful in today’s

classroom◦ Vocabulary instruction◦ Socialization◦ Reading and writing as well as speaking and

listening◦ Interaction strong in classroom/society◦ Quicker acquisition of language

My Personal Approach

Kathleen B. Jones jonesk@clintonschools.org

ESL Mania- Ideas for teaching ESL

Instructional strategies - Instructional strategies for teachers

Classroom Instruction that Works - (Marzano)

Lanternfish -site with many useful ideas

TESOL – Resource page with many resources

Resources

Kathleen B. Jones jonesk@clintonschools.org

Answers.com (n.d.) Retrieved online on 5/24/2010 at: http://. w ww.answers.com/topic/language-acquisition Craig, D.V. Formal approaches to second language acquisition. Department of Educational Leadership, Middle Tennessee

State University. Retrieved online on 5/20/2010 at: https://elearn.mtsu.edu/d2l/orgTools/ouHome/ouHome.asp?ou=1579251&contentURL=/lms/email/frame.d2l

Selinker, L. & Gass, S.(2008). Second language acquisition . New York, NY: Routeledge.

Myles, F. Second language acquisition research: Its significance for learning and teaching issues. Retrieved online on 5/21/2010 at: http://www.llas.ac.uk/resources/gpg/421

Woozley, I.(n.d). Second language acquisition and the communicative approach. Retrieved online at: http://niigatajet.net/Documents/Second_Language_Acquisition.pdf

References