Second Language Teaching & Learning, forum commentary (for MQuni; unit grade – Distinction)

Linguistics degree - commentary

WEEK ONE NATIVE SPEAKERISM

WEEK TWO UNDERSTANDING LEARNER IDENTITIES

ASSIGNMENT ONE 78%

"For the first critique, please use this blog post."

WEEK THREE TEACHING VARIETIES OF ENGLISH

WEEK FOUR UNDERSTANDING CULTURAL CONTEXT

"Read about the Korean phenomenon called gireogi appa. This has been widely written about here and here. Discuss how this phenomenon is a product of the interplay between culture and language."

QUIZ ONE 

WEEK FIVE TEACHER LANGUAGE AWARENESS

"From the analyst perspective:-

(1) The Sound System

Related to the chapter we have just discussed this week, list 5 words in English that you distinctly pronounce differently. If none, then list 5 words you have difficulty in pronouncing. Feel free to use the phonetic symbols (page 99) to represent these words. 

(2) The System of Words

On page 120, you are asked to write an essay describing the content of your vocabulary. Don't do that! :) What I want you to do instead is to simply list genres of vocabulary in your repertoire e.g., music, gardening, cooking, ophthalmology  - because perhaps you have been working as a receptionist for an eye specialist. And give specific examples of words in each genre.

 The on-campus students might want to think about Q#2, and we can discuss this in class next Tuesday."

WEEK SIX TEACHER LANGUAGE AWARENESS, SENTENCES & DISCOURSE

This week we have looked at some aspects of spoken and written discourse that are relevant for second language learners.

I would like you to consider the aspects of spoken and written language we have looked at so far that would be the most relevant for these different learner groups and contexts:

1. recently arrived migrant children
2. migrant adults
3. international students
4. school students in the ‘expanding circle'

Moreover, what are the key differences between the knowledge and skills learners already have and how might this affect the learning needs of these different groups?

WEEK SEVEN THEORIES OF LEARING

(1) What are the two main distinctions that underpin theories of learning?

(2) What are the key principles for language learning?

(3) How does our own learning map onto these principles?

Read the vignette on page 179, and reflect on your own second language learning. How would you know if you are learning well? What indicators do you usually use to measure such an achievement?

Watch this video clip about Genie and as you do, reflect on the two theories that Murray and Christison offer in Chapter 10. Be prepared to argue your point in class. 

WEEK EIGHT Introduction to SLA

QUIZ TWO 

WEEK NINE SLA RESEARCH

In this session we will explore the following questions:

1. How do SLA researchers investigate language learning in classroom settings? 

2. What is the role of input and interaction in second language learning in the classroom?

3. What are the implications of these for pedagogy?

Before coming to class, look at the following video of a teaching method called Total Physical Response. What ideas about SLA do you think this teaching method draws on? What kinds of input and interaction are happening in this class? 

ASSIGNMENT TWO 73%

WEEK TEN SLA THEORIES AND PEDAGOGY

"This week, we are looking at specific theories and pedagogical approaches in the teaching of a second language in a classroom. 

We will address the following questions:

1. What is your teaching and learning philosophy?

2. What individual learner differences impact language learning?

3. What are the implications of these for classroom language teaching?"

ASSIGNMENT THREE 88%