Kathleen B. Jones [email protected]
Formal Approaches to Second Language
AcquisitionKathleen B. Jones
Clinton City [email protected]
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. [email protected]
Kathleen B. Jones [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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