MLAN 519 Second Language Acquisition

A study of the foundations of second language acquisition (SLA), including the theories, research, as well as the cross cultural, cross-linguistic, psychological, and personality components inherent in SLA; students explore strategies for second-language acquisition and assessment.

The teaching of languages, including English, is a growing field, which speaks to the increasingly global orientation of current educational, business, and political goals. Content area teachers in fields other than languages are being asked to contribute to the needs of second-language students in their regular content-area classrooms and to encourage all students to diversify their learning. This course will help K–12 classroom teachers and ESL teachers expand their instructional preparation and, in some cases, add an endorsement to the teaching license they already hold.

The content will include an overview of language acquisition/learning theory, an examination of language program models, state and federal language policies, state and “national” language standards, the development of individual language resources, including professional resources and organizations, the use of various technologies in language acquisition/learning and assessment, an overview of various assessments, and issues pertinent to the individual preparation for licensure. It is a course that emphasizes reflection on best practices and personal professional growth.

No details available.

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will complete 5 Discussions. Most Discussions correspond to a video segment. Each discussion will consist of a thread of 250–300 (but no more than 400) words and at least 2 replies consisting of 150–200 words each. Each discussion must include at least 3 sources.

This is a two-part assignment: the Title Page and Abstract and the Final Draft.

Annotated Resources: Title Page and Abstract Assignment

For the first part, students will write a title page and abstract of at least 150 words.

Annotated Resources: Final Draft Assignment

For the second part, the final draft, students will write six annotations, of at least 100 words each, compiling information from various language organizations. The student will cite and annotate language organizations, regional language conferences, ESL resources, state teaching standards, and additional resources for this assignment.

The student will create an Instructional Perspectives Timeline. This assignment should name at least 4 perspectives, theories, or methodologies, and include at least 5 sources. This assignment should be two slides or pages.

The student will develop a written document about L1 L2 Acquisition that addresses the stages of development for both children and adults. It will also discuss 2 language theories and use at least 8 examples from the questions. It must be 4 to 6 pages in length, including a title and reference page. The 3 sources must be cited in current APA format.

The student will complete 2 projects.

PACE Project: Reading Lesson Plan Assignment

The first assignment will be a PACE project that include a lesson plan, learning activity, technology, and performance assessment.

PACE Project: Assessment Assignment

The second assignment will focus on assessment.

Student will write a review and reflection summarizing one particular perspective of interest and reflect on it. Paper must be at least 250 words (but no more than 450 words) using the most recent APA formatting style.

The final paper will be in two parts: Final Paper: First Draft and Final Paper: Completed. The final paper will give a choice of focusing on assessment or on one of the second language theories covered in the textbook.

Final Paper: First Draft Assignment

For the first part, the Final Paper: First Draft, students will submit the title page, abstract (at least 150 words), references page including at least 5 sources, and the first page of the paper.

Final Paper: Completed Assignment

For the second part, the Final Paper: Completed, students will put it all together with a 1000 to 1500 word exploration of the topic that includes at least 5 sources.

The student will participate in 2 hours of professional development activity(s). It is also strongly recommended (but not required) that the student joins at least 1 professional organization. After attending the event, the student will write a ¾ page to 1 page double-spaced description and reflection.