2021/22 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 2021/22

This module is mutually exclusive with

EDUC5902M

Investigating Language for TESOL

This module is 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

On completion of this module students will be able to:

- demonstrate an understanding of contemporary perspectives on the processes of second language acquisition and learning;
- discuss and assess the role of key factors in second language acquisition (e.g. L1 transfer input, interaction);
- analyse language classroom data with regard to key factors in, and key perspectives on second language acquisition;
- analyse their own language learning experiences in the light of theories encountered in the module;
- read, and identify the key findings and procedures of, original research in the area of SLA.

Learning outcomes
Knowledge outcomes will include:

- understandings of contemporary perspectives on the processes of second language acquisition and learning
- understandings of research procedures in the area of SLA
- understandings of students’ own language learning histories

Skills outcomes
Students completing this module will have had the opportunity to acquire the following abilities:
- analyse language classroom data with regard to key factors in, and key perspectives on second language acquisition;
- analyse their own language learning experiences in the light of theories encountered in the module;
- read, and identify the key findings and procedures of, original research in the area of SLA.

Syllabus

This is an indicative list of topics that will be covered:
1. Communicative language ability
2. First language acquisition
3. The role of input in SLA
4. The role of output and interaction in SLA
5. The role of information processing in SLA (I)
6. The role of information processing in SLA (II)
7. The role of motivation and identity in SLA
8. The role of age in SLA
9. The role of language transfer in SLA
10. The role of learning strategies in SLA
11. Learning to listen and speak in a second language
12. Learning to read and write in a second language

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Seminar	12	2.00	24.00
Tutorial	1	1.00	1.00
Independent online learning hours			275.00
Private study hours			0.00
Total Contact hours			25.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Private study

Reading for each seminar : 5 hours = 60
Group preparation for each seminar : 5 hours = 60
Assignment reading and preparation : 143 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

In-class: monitoring of performance on session tasks, concept questioning, learner-led session summaries
Out-of-class: performance on structured post-session tasks checked at beginning of following session

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Portfolio	4,000 word portfolio	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

In each session participants will work through a sequence of multi-modal input, analysis, reflection and discussion tasks, drawing on pre-sessional reading and preparatory work. Session work will be both consolidated and extended through post-session reading and other tasks. Input and discussion stages and pre/post-sessional reading will assist participants in constructing understandings of contemporary perspectives on the processes of second language acquisition and learning, reflection tasks will help participants apply concepts to their own experience of second language acquisition and analysis of research tasks will help participants understand the processes through which research in the field of SLAL is carried out and knowledge both created and shared.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 20/09/2021

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