2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

EDUC5931M Analysing Language Learning

30 creditsClass Size: 200

Module manager: Dr Simon Green
Email: S.J.M.Green@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module will introduce you to key concepts and theories related to Second Language Acquisition and Learning. The course will touch incidentally on aspects of teaching methodology but the primary focus will be on factors and processes contributing to the learning of languages. You will discuss what it means to become proficient in a language; consider key differences and similarities between first and second language acquisition; explore the roles of input, output, interaction and processing in second language acquisition; the interactions of motivation and personal identity in second language acquisition; the ways in which individual learners may shape their learning differently through the adoption of distinct learning strategies, and issues to do with developing specific communicative skills in a second language. You will draw on your own experience as language learners, and investigate other learning contexts through video, narrative and transcribed classroom data.

Objectives

The objectives of this module are:

- to introduce students to contemporary perspectives on the processes of second language acquisition and learning

- to introduce students to the analysis of language learning data with regard to contemporary perspectives on second language acquisition and learning;

The module is organised into nine discrete topics, each of which is covered over the period of a week. Before class, you will watch pre-recorded lectures, read specific papers, and discuss your understandings with other students in a study group. In class you will participate in task-based discussions to clarify and apply the key ideas in the input. After class you will have recommended follow-up reading.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

1. the ability to explain, critique and apply contemporary perspectives on the processes of second language acquisition and learning;
2. the ability to use language analysis tools and techniques to analyse language learning data with regard to contemporary perspectives on second language acquisition and learning.

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

Academic:

1. the ability to recognise and express knowledge and understanding and how it relates to personal experience and to demonstrate learning and growth from the experience;
2. the ability to weigh up different arguments and perspectives, using supporting evidence to form opinions, arguments, theories and ideas;
3. the ability to write in a clear, concise, focused and structured manner that is supported by relevant evidence.

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Supervision	1	1.00	1.00
Seminar	11	2.00	22.00
Independent online learning hours			110.00
Private study hours			167.00
Total Contact hours			23.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

In-class: monitoring of performance on session tasks, concept questioning, learner-led session (Week 10 presentations by study groups on an aspect of interest in the module)

Out-of-class: Students submit a draft of one of two tasks for inclusion in the assessment portfolio and this is followed up in a (small-group/trio) tutorial

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Portfolio	Coursework	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 23/04/2024

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