Second Language Acquisition for Teachers

Professional Staff Development January 18th

2008Westside Elementary

Second Language Production Stages

(Proficiency)Pre-Production (1)Production (2)Intermediate (3)Advanced Intermediate (4)Advanced (5)

Other levels Exited (6)Native Speaker (7)

Language Acquisition vs. Language Learning

Krashen (1982)*Language Acquisition is a

natural process by which children learn language without any formal teaching.

*Language Learning is a structured and formalized process by which a student is taught a foreign language.

Natural OrderKrashen

Language is acquired in a natural order. Some aspects are ‘picked up’ earlier than others.

Example: ‘ing’ form comes earlier than auxiliary forms such as “am” Therefore you will hear “I going”, before “ I am going”

Monitor HypothesisKrashen

It is an ‘editor’ that checks production of a second language. The monitor checks on grammar, when we know the rules of a language. This can slow down production of the second language.

Silent PeriodKrashen & Terrell (1983)In this language acquisition stage, English Language Learners listen and begin to understand messages in the second language, but do not produce (or speak) the second language.

Affective FilterKrashen, Terrell, McLaughlin

In order for a student to learn effectively their motivation, self-esteem must be supported while their anxiety must be diminished. When teachers demand that a student produce language before they are ready, they create a stressful situation for the student that affects their thinking and learning.

Comprehensible InputPlease read the handout quietly. Answer the following question: How does the information in this reading apply to my present classroom situation?How can I make curriculum more comprehensive for my students?Write these answers on a piece of paper and share with a partner….

BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills)-

(Cummings) Basic Interpersonal Communication

Skills (BICS) are language skills needed in social situations. It is the day-to-day language needed to interact socially with other people.

CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency)

CALP refers to formal academic learning. This includes listening, speaking, reading, and writing about subject area content material. This level of language learning is essential for students to succeed in school.

Setting Goal #1On your Goal Sheet:

please set a goal related on how you think you can increase Comprehensible Input for your ELL students