Language Acquisition and Learning in the Primary Context 3301-JS291
The course covers basic issues in the area of early language learning processes, i.e. stages in the child's cognitive development, implications of first and second language acquisition for foreign language teaching to young learners and the role of language awareness in the overall development of the child. Early language start in the educational systems across Europe is discussed, advantages and disadvantages of partial and total immersion programmes are analysed and language activities supporting intellectual, emotional and social growth are presented. Attention is also given to course planning and syllabus design as well as to approaches and methods in teaching language and culture, ways of assessing student achievements and evaluating teaching materials in the primary context. The course can be taken independently within the track of applied linguistics.
The following topics are covered:
1 and 2. First language acquisition (stages in child development, stages in L1 acquisition, natural order of acquisition, error in L1, caretaker speech, learner's L1 strategies).
3 and 4. Second language acquisition (a comparison of L1 and L2 acquisition, needs vs expectations, stages in L2 acquisition, communication strategies, error in L2 acquisition).
5. Children and foreign language learning - myths and reality (popular views related to acquisition and learning vs. research data on child and adult learning).
6. Approaches and methods. Implications of L1 and L2 acquisition for ELT (implications for course planning, the starting point, sensitisation vs systematization, main principles of teaching Young Learners, the role of L1, teacher education).
7. Syllabus design for the primary education (syllabus types, curricular objectives, selecting and grading the teaching content, exit competences).
8 and 9. Teaching methods - the role of language teaching in the overall development of the child (the language syllabus vs. the school curriculum and key competences, activities supporting intellectual, emotional and social growth - memory, cognitive styles, teaching language and culture).
10. Materials for the primary (materials available in Poland, textbook evaluation, task evaluation, adapting materials, developing your own materials, engaging the children in materials' design).
11. Language assessment (assessment techniques in the communicative approach, Cambridge Young Learners exams).
12. Learning difficulties - dyslexia, S.E.N., students; catering for special educational needs.
13 and 14. Research and good practice in the European Union.
Course requirements: presentation and term paper.
The course is for BA full-time students.
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge: The graduate will be able to:
K_W02 discuss key terminology, main theories and research on language acquisition of primary school children
K_W03 describe methodology and research development in English linguistics in the area of foreign language didactics
K_W05 list and discuss on an advanced level the processes of the development of English grammar, syntax, phonetics, morphology and pragmatics in primary school children
K_W07 explain trends in the development of studies on language acquisition by primary school children, with the use of appropriate methods and tools and exploring up-to-date research problems
Skills: The graduate is able to:
K_U01 employ the terminology and methodological tools from linguistics, literary studies and culture studies
K_U02 employ the methodology of linguistics within English studies, respecting the ethical norms and copyright law
K_U04 implement knowledge to describe a problem and identify means to solve it, thereby completing a project in linguistics
K_U11 design one’s own development
Social competences: The graduate is ready to:
K_K02 undertake life-long learning and personal development in the area of language didactics, applying skills to select subjects and projects optimally suiting one’s personal interests
K_K03 value responsibility for one’s own work and respect the work of others, adhering to the professional and ethical norms in foreign language teaching as well as in various projects and other activities undertaken at work, voluntary services, etc.
Education at language level B2+.
In class discussions students acquire skills of expressing their thoughts in a clear, coherent, logical and precise manner, with the use of language which is correct grammatically, lexically and phonetically.
Assessment criteria
Oral presentation and written project work.
Assessment method: assessment of the oral presentation and written work. Active participation in discussions is also taken into account.
Three absences are allowed.
Re-take credit - another oral presentation and writing again the work(s) for which the student has received an unsatisfactory grade.
Bibliography
Ellis, R. 1995. The Study of Second Language Acquisition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Johnstone, R. 2002. Addressing the Age Factor: Some Implications for Languages. Strasbourg: Council of Europe (http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/Source/JohnstoneEN.pdf).
Kubanek, A. R. Johnstone, P. Edelenbos. 2006. The Main Pedagogical Principles Underlying the Teaching of Foreign Languages to Very Young Learners (http://ec.europa.eu/education/policies/lang/key/studies_en.html).
Komorowska, H. 1997. "Organisation, Integration and Continuity" In: P. Doye (ed.) Foreign Language Learning in Primary School. Strasbourg: Council of Europe.
Komorowska, H. 2005. Programy nauczania w kształceniu ogólnym i w kształceniu językowym. Warszawa: Fraszka Edukacyjna.
Komorowska H. Sprawdzanie umiejętności w nauce języka obcego - kontrola - ocena - testy. Warszawa: Fraszka Edukacyjna.
Lightbown, P. N. Spada. 2006. How Languages Are Learned. Oxford: OUP.
Munoz, C. 2006. Age and Rate of Foreign Language Learning. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
A selection of articles, ELT coursebooks and syllabus documents.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: