SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
Course Title
Course Code
Credit
Equivalent Course
Prerequisite
Coordinator
Program Level
Program
Instruction Language
Applicable for TESOL Program
Requirement in TESOL Program
Semester in TESOL Program
Overview
Understanding the process of second language learning is the most crucial foundation for all practices relevant to language teaching, curriculum design, and learning support services. This introductory course on second language acquisition (SLA) aims to explore how languages are learned in both formal and informal contexts, and how first language learning is different from second or third language learning. Key issues that underlie English language acquisition, with special emphasis on those that are pertinent to English language teachers are examined. Affective factors contributing to the development, maintenance, and attrition of languages are analyzed and discussed to inform educational practices of how to best facilitate the language learning process. They include age, individual differences, aptitude, cognition, affect, motivation, and social dimensions of learning. Professional experience and reflections of students are brought into discussions for language teaching implications and material design in the context of contemporary of Vietnam and beyond. The course empowers teachers’ professional practices and provides implications for their language development research.
Objectives
This course primarily aims to help students understand the nature of second language acquisition and learning through appreciating the importance of affective factors which can significantly contribute to the development of languages other than the mother tongue. Students will particularly be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of SLA processes from linguistic, psychological, and sociocultural perspectives.
- Identify internal and external factors significantly contributing to the process of second language learning.
- Analyze the types of errors in both oral and written language production.
- Explain possible causes of the errors based on SLA theories.
- Provide pedagogical suggestions for effective second language teaching practices.
- Communicate and collaborate successfully with other colleagues.
Learning Outcomes
|
CLOs |
Descriptions After finishing this course, students are able to |
ELO(s) /PI(s) |
Course Competency Level |
|
CLO1 |
Understand key concepts and fundamentals of second language acquisition. |
PI 3.1 |
2 |
|
CLO2 |
Describe the developmental history of SLA, including major theories and current trends in research. |
PI 3.2 |
1 |
|
CLO3 |
Discuss problems and challenges in current research and theory relevant to SLA. |
PI 3.2 |
4 |
|
CLO4 |
Differentiate the internal factors from the external factors during the second language learning processes. |
PI 3.2 |
3 |
|
CLO5 |
Articulate personal perspectives on their own theories of SLA and suggest the principles that can inform their teaching practice. |
PI 10.1 |
3 |
Materials
Textbooks
Gass, S. M., Behney, J., & Plonsky, L. (2013). Second Language Acquisition: An Introductory Course (4th ed.). Routledge.
Ellis, R. (2015). Understanding Second Language Acquisition (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
References
Dornyei, Z. (2009). The Psychology of Second Language Acquisition. Oxford University Press.
Gass, S. M., & Mackey, A. (2012). The Routledge Handbook of Second Language Acquisition. Routledge.
Rowland, C. (2014). Understanding Child Language Acquisition. Routledge.
VanPatten, B., & Williams, J. (Eds.). (2015). Theories in Second Language Acquisition: An Introduction (2nd ed.). Routledge.
Whong, M., Gil, K.-H., & Marsden, H. (Eds.). (2013). Universal Grammar and the Second Language Classroom. Springer.
Assessment
|
No. |
Content |
CLOs |
Course Competency Level |
Assignment |
Evaluation Criteria |
Weighting |
|
1 |
Understand key concepts and fundamentals of second language acquisition. |
1 |
2 |
Quiz 1 |
|
10% |
|
2 |
Describe the developmental history of SLA, including major theories and current trends in research. |
2 |
1 |
Quiz 2 |
|
10% |
|
3 |
Discuss problems and challenges in current research and theory relevant to SLA. |
3 |
4 |
Reflective discussion |
Rubric |
15% |
|
4 |
Differentiate the internal factors from the external factors during the second language learning processes. |
4 |
3 |
Reflective discussion |
Rubric |
15% |
|
5 |
Articulate personal perspectives on their own theories of SLA and suggest the principles that can inform their teaching practice. |
5 |
3 |
Essay |
Rubric |
50% |
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