Language Learning

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the major theoretical perspectives on second language acquisition, and be able to compare and contrast them;
• key theoretical constructs in language learning theory;
• different approaches to the empirical analysis of learner language, from a variety of theoretical perspectives;
• the implications of different theoretical positions for classroom language learning and teaching.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• evaluate language instruction in the light of developments in language learning theory.
• review and evaluate empirical research in the field, and assess how far it confirms/ disconfirms particular learning theories
• compare and evaluate current theories of first and second language acquisition
• carry out small scale analyses of child language and second language learner data, from a variety of theoretical perspectives

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Plan and produce an extended academic paper, using current primary research literature;
• identify, select and draw upon a wide range of reference resources, printed and electronic;
• analyse authentic data and communicate your analysis orally, in discussion and in formal presentations;
• use information technology appropriately to support oral presentations and produce written reports.
• develop and maintain a personal bibliography;

First language acquisition, including bilingual acquisition and language development in exceptional circumstances (e.g. deaf children, William Syndrome children etc.)

Second language acquisition, giving particular focus to the following issues:

• Similarities and differences between first and second language acquisition
• the role of the first language in the second language acquisition process
• the role played by Universal Grammar
• the role played by cognitive mechanisms
• the role played by social factors
• the role played by individual differences
• variability and incompleteness
• the acquisition of grammar and of vocabulary.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include

• Online tutor led discussion forums
• Interactive tasks in topic learning objects
• Presentations and lectures via podcasts/audio/video files
• Synchronous chat/small group discussions

Learning activities include

• Extensive reading of assigned texts, in preparation for weekly seminars
• Analysis of data and presentation of analyses, in workshop sessions
• Accessing online resources
• Participating in online forums
• Individual assembly of bibliography and private study, in preparation for major written assignment.

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Ellis, R (1997). Second Language Acquisition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Lightbown P. & Spada, N (2006). How Languages Are Learned. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Foster-Cohen, S (1999). An Introduction to Child Language Development. London: Addison Wesley Longman.

Mitchell, R. & Myles, F (2004). Second Language Learning Theories. London: Arnold.

Romaine, S (1994). Bilingualism. Oxford: Blackwell.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External