Usage-based approaches to second language acquisition - Einzelansicht

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The main objective of this course is to provide students with the means to develop critical thoughts on second language acquisition. The course supports the understanding of language use, learning, and teaching through a survey of contemporary approaches to second language acquisition. In this course, students will discuss the main tenets and methods of approaches, such as Language Socialization and Conversation Analysis with special attention to the latter. Students will also be acquainted with some techniques for analyzing language use.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Through participation in a variety of activities, students will:

- develop a deeper understanding of L2 English learning and teaching research in light of current discussions within the field of second language acquisition;

- develop a broad understanding of the research questions that social approaches to L2 language learning and teaching investigate;

- be able to establish links between theory and practice as well as between their own teaching contexts and other learning settings around the globe.

METHODOLOGY

We will take an inquiry-based approach to learning. This means that to the greatest extent possible, you will be the leader of your explorations of the specific topics. To be successful, you must be curious, focused, goal-oriented and diligent. To the best of my ability, I will instruct, facilitate, guide and in other ways help ensure that our collaborative explorations are rewarding. I will provide you with a list of online resources (e.g. videos, lectures, papers) that you can refer to along with the required readings. You are also welcome to find new materials online and share them with the group.

Course activities will require that you 1) read and discuss pre-assigned articles and book chapters, 2) engage actively in group activities, 3) understand transcriptions of naturalistic data, 4) lead the class in a presentation of the main points and in a subsequent discussion of a pre-established reading.

Paper presentation and discussion:

In pairs, students will present an oral summary on a pre-assigned text (to be posted on Moodle). The oral presentation must be supported by 1. visual materials on slide mode (PowerPoint, Canvas, Prezi, etc.), and 2. a written handout (copies to all class members must be provided by the presenters). Both should be designed to facilitate the audience's understanding of the paper being presented. A 15-minute slot will be provided for each paper to be presented. The rest of the time (15 min max) will be used for discussion led by the presenters. Students are encouraged to use their own notes to present, but must not read extensively from any source. More specific guidelines will be provided in the course and via Moodle.

Students will be evaluated for their displayed capacity to:

1) present and lead a discussion on a research topic;

2) connect the content of their presentation and discussion with the broader discussions within the framework of conversation analysis and usage-based linguistics;

3) make appropriate use of the main concepts and notions discussed in the readings/lectures;

4) think critically and establish links between theories as well as between theory and practice.