Course Overview
This course examines theories of second language education in K-12 classroom settings. By exploring sociolinguistic perspectives, pragmatic views, and historical perspectives of language acquisition, the course elucidates specific principles of first language acquisition theories in order to understand the relationship between first language and second language literacy.
The course project, Comprehensive Plan for Second Language Acquisition (SLA) in the Classroom: Applying Theory to Practice in for Second Language Learners, promotes the application of SLA theory in order to: a) understand the cognitive processes involved in language learning, b) identify specific student needs, and c) utilize a blend of theory and research-based practices to promote student success. Candidates participate in real-world classroom applications of theory through classroom observations and interactions with second language learners.
This course includes field-based activities that take place in a K-12 school/district community setting.
Course Learning Objectives
- Define processes, principles, and factors involved in first and second language acquisition.
- Identify the similarities and differences of acquiring the first and second language and critical factors that influence and impact learning.
- Examine historical perspectives, influences, and current research in the field of SLA as applied to the classroom setting.
- Discuss perspectives on the role of the native language as compared to current research and utilize classroom data to draw conclusions and inform practice.
- Identify and discuss formal approaches to second language acquisition.
- Discuss the role of interlanguage, transfer, lexicon, and classroom tasks.
- Consider a variety of factors and functions involved in second language acquisition including age, input, output, interaction, affective elements, social distance, motivation, and learning style.
