Formal Approaches to Second Language Acquisition

1. Formal Approaches to Second Language Acquisition Kathleen B. Jones Clinton City Schools jonesk@clintonschools.org Kathleen B. Jones jonesk@clintonschools.org

2. Innatism Approach 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 jonesk@clintonschools.org

3. Innatism Approach 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 jonesk@clintonschools.org

4. Interactionist Approach • 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 jonesk@clintonschools.org

5. Interactionist Approach (Cont.) • 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 jonesk@clintonschools.org

6. Critical Factors in SLA • 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 jonesk@clintonschools.org

7. Critical factors in SLA • 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 jonesk@clintonschools.org

8. Tips For Teachers • 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 jonesk@clintonschools.org

9. Interactionist Approach in Clinton City Schools • 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 are based on the interactionist approach. Kathleen B. Jones jonesk@clintonschools.org

10. My Personal Approach • 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 jonesk@clintonschools.org

11. Resources • ESL Mania- Ideas for teaching ESL • Instructional strategies - Instructional strategies for teachers • Classroom Instruction that Works - (Marzano) • Lanternfish -site with many useful ideas • TESOL – Resource page with many resources Kathleen B. Jones jonesk@clintonschools.org

12. References • Answers.com (n.d.) Retrieved online at: http://www.answers.com/topic/language-acquisition. • Craig, V. Formal approaches to second language acquisition. Retrieved online on 5/20/2010 at: • Gass, S. & Selinker, L. Second language acquisition(2008). New York, NY: Routeledge. • Myles, F. Second language acquisition research: Its significance for learning and teaching issues. Retrieved online on 5/21/2010 at: :http://www.llas.ac.uk/resources/gpg/421 • Woozley, I.(n.d). Second language acquisition and the communicative approach. Retrieved online at: http://niigatajet.net/Documents/Second_Language_Acquisition.pdf Kathleen B. Jones jonesk@clintonschools.org