APG5348 · Second language acquisition

Overview

In this unit, you will learn how we acquire a second language, what shapes that process, and what implications emerge for second language teaching and learning. You will gain a thorough understanding of the concepts, methods and debates that define the field, including themes such as input and interaction, memory, motivation, and learner identity, and you will build the skills to evaluate research claims through practical examples in every assessment task. Throughout the unit you will have the opportunity to relate theory and research to the practical issues that confront learners and teachers in different contexts, and around the world. Because much of that learning now happens through and with technology, you will examine how digital environments and tools impact the input learners encounter, the interaction they engage in, and the data now generated as they learn. You will leave the unit able to understand the necessary principles that support effective second language acquisition, to work critically with theory and classroom evidence, and to apply these to language teaching and curriculum design, as well as to policy development, learning technology and learning analytics.

Areas of study: Applied linguistics

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. critically evaluate key theoretical concepts and debates in relation to second language acquisition, and relevant empirical research;
2. reflect on your own language learning experience and classroom practice in the light of theoretical and empirical studies and discussions with your teacher and peers in this unit;
3. apply what you have learnt to practical problems in second language learning and teaching, and formulate recommendations for improvements or future practice in the field;
4. communicate this clearly in interactions with your peers and in written assessment tasks.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 288 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.