LANGUAGE ACQUISION

Course Description

This course presents an overview of the theories of first and second language acquisition (e.g.: behaviorism, innatism, information processing, connectionism, the interactionist position) and focuses on the developmental stages and sequences of first and target language acquisition. Case studies, comparative analysis of the use of native and target languages in corpus data (e.g.: CHILDES database), recordings and/or transcriptions of real second language classroom interaction will be employed for the analysis of first and second language acquisition; comparison of second language acquisition in children and in adults; identifying developmental sequences in first language acquisition; stages in second language morpho-syntactic development; processes in second language acquisition; learner characteristics and individual variation in ultimate attainment in second language acquisition (e.g.: role of personality, language aptitude, intelligence, age of acquisition, motivation and attitudes, learner preferences and beliefs); differences between second language acquisition and foreign language learning contexts (e.g.: natural vs. instructional settings). Lectures, group and pair work activities will be utilized.

LANGUAGE ACQUISION

Evaluation Tools (Active Term)

No evaluation items have been defined.

Course outcomes

1. 01 Evaluate the various thepretical underpinnings of first langauge acquisition
2. 02 Discuss the theories of second language acquisition in relation to teaching English
3. 03 Interpret features of language acquisition in the language performance of learners.

Course Syllabus

Reference Books & Course Materials

1. 01 Lightbown, P. M. and Spada, N. (2013). How Languages are Learned. Oxford: Oxford University Press

Learning Outcomes

1. L01 Evaluate the various theoretical underpinnings of first language acquisition SOLO 3
2. L02 Describe theoretical perspectives of L1 acquisition SOLO 3
3. L03 Account for historical perspectives on second language learning SOLO 3
4. L04 Compare individual differences in second language learning SOLO 4
5. L05 Compare SLA theoretical perspectives SOLO 4
6. L06 Define hypotheses SOLO 2
7. L07 Explain SLA theoretical perspectives SOLO 4
8. L08 Illustrate feedback types SOLO 3
9. L09 Evaluate L2 learning in the classroom SOLO 5

Program Outcomes

1. P01 1- make use of their professional training in language teaching and achieve effective classroom management,
2. P02 2- carry out research on the development of their learners’ social, psychological and personal characteristics by using testing and evaluation techniques in accordance with ethical principles and then report their results.
3. P03 3- conduct research using basic scientific research techniques with the aim to find solutions to problems that may be encountered in the field of Teaching English,
4. P04 4- evaluate, apply and interpret concepts and scientific methods related to the field of teaching English
5. P05 5- choose appropriate language teaching methods and techniques considering diverse learner characteristics stemming from their ages, learning styles, motivation and background knowledge,
6. P06 6- prepare daily lesson plans appropriate to the things to teach and deliver effective lessons by using appropriate course materials and instructional technology,
7. P07 7- choose appropriate materials available for use and/or develop their own course materials according to students’ level, interest and learning characteristics with the aim to use them in the teaching of language items (phonological, lexical, grammatical items and so on) and in the development of learners’ language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing),
8. P08 8- choose and use appropriate measurement tools and materials to asses and evaluate learners’ development and success,
9. P09 9- explain the similarities and differences between first and second language acquisition theories, and relate these theories to language teaching theories and practices.
10. P10 10- make use of principles, theories, approaches and techniques for the development and evaluation of educational programs.
11. P11 11- explain the concepts of Theoretical Linguistics & Applied Linguistics and use their knowledge for the preparation of lesson plans appropriate to the characteristics of the target language,
12. P12 12- use information and communication technology together with computer software required by the field,
13. P13 13- describe the characteristics of different text types considering basic theories & approaches in translation and translate texts from English to Turkish and from Turkish to English,
14. P14 14- define the basic concepts and principles of classical and modern literature, analyse and construct information, and then make use of their literary knowledge in language teaching,
15. P15 15- use the target language to obtain and transmit information; communicate either orally or in writing.
16. P16 16- identify and solve problems in their social environment with the awareness of social responsibility they have developed.

Po-Lo Matrix