Second Language Acquisition Theories and Approaches
Traditional Approach (1970s-1980s)
Key figures: Chomsky, Krashen, Van Patten
Focus: Linguistics, second language acquisition, interlanguage development
Key concepts: Null subject, intake, input, output, interlanguage metaphor
Sociocultural Approach (1990s)
Key figures: Kramsch, Vygotsky, Lantolf, Wertsch
Focus: Education, learning, development, sociocultural and sociolinguistic factors
Key concepts: Zone of Proximal Development, sociocultural theory, symbolic competence
Multiple Literacies Framework
Communication
- Interpersonal: Learners interact and negotiate meaning in conversations.
- Interpretive: Learners understand and analyze spoken, signed, or written language.
- Presentational: Learners present information using appropriate media.
Cultures
- Learners explore the relationship between cultural practices and perspectives.
- Learners analyze the connection between cultural products and perspectives.
Connections
- Learners build knowledge across disciplines and develop critical thinking skills.
- Learners access and evaluate diverse perspectives.
Comparisons
- Learners compare the language studied with their own language.
- Learners compare the cultures studied with their own culture.
Communities
- Learners use language to interact and collaborate within their communities.
- Learners set goals for lifelong language learning.
Design Metaphor (The New London Group)
Meaning-making is an active process involving:
- Available Designs: Existing semiotic systems (e.g., grammar, film).
- Designing: Shaping and evolving representations (e.g., reading, listening).
- Redesigned: Resources transformed through the designing process.
Key Principles
- Situated Practice: Immersion in authentic experiences.
- Overt Instruction: Explicit teaching of metalanguages.
- Critical Framing: Interpreting the social and cultural context of meaning.
- Transformed Practice: Applying learning to new contexts.
Symbolic Competence
The ability to understand and navigate both one’s own and other cultures.
Assessment
Principles:
- Assessment should serve learning.
- Use multiple measures.
- Align assessments to goals.
- Measure what matters.
- Ensure fairness and equity.
Types of Rubrics:
- Holistic Rubrics: Provide a single score based on an overall impression.
- Analytic Rubrics: Provide specific feedback on multiple dimensions.