Kathleen B. Jones Clinton City Schools Kathleen B. Jones

Noam Chomsky -  Language is a natural biological process.  Although language rules may not be similar- the ability to identify correctly formed sentences is universal and independent of meaning.  LAD – Language Acquisition Device  Universal Grammar – a set of universal rules that govern language. Kathleen B. Jones

Myles (2008)  If humans have LAD, this could place constraints on second language acquisition.  Innate language learning during L1 could hinder L2 learning.  Explains why young learners learn L1 easier than L2 Kathleen B. Jones

 Emphasis on learner interaction and the social aspects of language learning  Studies the nature of interactions that take place in second language learning Kathleen B. Jones

 Research shows that interactions and error corrections assist in promoting second language acquisition  Learning involves interactions between learners, teachers, and peers (Vygostky, 1986). Kathleen B. Jones

 Critical Period Hypothesis ◦ Natural language takes place between the critical ages of two years to about age twelve (Lenneburg) ◦ Before age two the brain is not developed enough and after age twelve the brain experiences loss of plasticity ◦ Lateralization of the language function in the brain is complete around puberty ◦ Critical period limits L1 and L2 acquisition Kathleen B. Jones

 Contextual factors ◦ Language  L1 and L2 similarities and differences  L1 proficiency  Knowledge of L2  Attitudes  Dialect and register ◦ Learner  Diversity in classroom  Support groups  Home environment  Goals for language learning ◦ Learning Process  Learning style  Cultural influences  Motivation  Interactions Kathleen B. Jones

 Respect student errors.  Address errors that students are capable of correcting.  Self-repair is preferable to other-repair.  Develop strategies to help students overcome avoidance.  Remember – student errors are a precious resource. Kathleen B. Jones

 Be aware of the validity of components of innateness. (Can explain what we don’t understand about student learning.)  Interactionist approach used in CCS ◦ High degree of interactions in the classroom ◦ Curriculum requires us to use this approach ◦ Assessment requires us to use this approach ◦ Will help student learn English at a faster rate ◦ Vocabulary instruction is enhanced ◦ Our instruction of teaching reading, writing, speaking and listening is based on the interactionist approach. Kathleen B. Jones

 Credibility with innatist theories  Interactionist theory more useful in today’s classroom ◦ Vocabulary instruction ◦ Socialization ◦ Reading and writing as well as speaking and listening ◦ Interaction strong in classroom/society ◦ Quicker acquisition of language Kathleen B. Jones

 ESL Mania- Ideas for teaching ESL ESL Mania  Instructional strategies - Instructional strategies for teachers Instructional strategies  Classroom Instruction that Works - (Marzano) Classroom Instruction that Works  Lanternfish -site with many useful ideas Lanternfish  TESOL – Resource page with many resources TESOL Kathleen B. Jones

 Answers.com (n.d.) Retrieved online on 5/24/2010 at: w ww.answers.com/topic/language-acquisitionhttp:// w ww.answers.com/topic/language-acquisition  Craig, D.V. Formal approaches to second language acquisition. Department of Educational Leadership, Middle Tennessee State University. Retrieved online on 5/20/2010 at: entURL=/lms/ /frame.d2l entURL=/lms/ /frame.d2l  Selinker, L. & Gass, S.(2008). Second language acquisition. New York, NY: Routeledge.  Myles, F. Second language acquisition research: Its significance for learning and teaching issues. Retrieved online on 5/21/2010 at:  Woozley, I.(n.d). Second language acquisition and the communicative approach. Retrieved online at: Kathleen B. Jones