Abstract The linguistics of second languageacquisition is discussed from a North American point of view, i.e., the continual presence of newcomers who need to acquire a command of the Englishlanguage. A research deficit is explained which relates to differing cultural origins and English L2 vocabulary acquisition.
Abstract The learning of a second language is something that is most easily carried out in childhood, perhaps as part of elementary education as opposed to secondary school. This paper takes a mainly psychological approach in assessing why early languageacquisition is desirable in a world which will increasingly value persons who are able to communicate in more than one medium.
Abstract This paper discusses certain theories of second languageacquisition especially about the development of grammar over time. The author review theories of Long, Anderson, Vygotsky, Bialystok, and Pulvermuller and Shumann. The paper relates that these theories do not necessarily contradict each other but do emphasize different parts of the process, such as some theories emphasize the neurological process while others emphasize interaction with other speakers.
From the Paper "The theories of Long, Anderson, Vygotsky, Bialystok, and Pulvermuller and Shumann all explain second language acquisition (SLA) with a different emphasis, but interestingly, not all of these theories are mutually exclusive. That is, because some of them simply emphasize different parts of the process as being of primary importance, or they see the process as happening in a certain part of the consciousness, rather than directly contradicting one another. However, it would be an exaggeration to say that these theories complement and complete each other and give us a complete picture of language acquisition."
Abstract This paper discusses the myths and misconceptions of EnglishLanguage Learners. The paper focuses on the training of Ell teachers, difficulties in teaching Ell and a brief discussion on strategies of effective Ell teaching.
From the Paper "During the last decade, the number of English Language Learners (ELLs) has risen significantly in classrooms all over the US with the increasing diversity of American society. ELLs, as a group, has consistently fared far worse in standardized testing than their peers, especially in the case of language arts tests. Essentially, state tests indicate that ELL students typically score..."
Abstract In this article, the writer points out that research study has shown that cooperative learning environments are more conducive to Englishlanguage learning than are other learning environments. The writer explains that, in other words, it is easier for students to learn the Englishlanguage in a relaxed cooperative learning situation than in the formal classroom instructional environment. This work attempts to discover, through a qualitative review of literature and a qualitative method of applied case study through the instrument of the survey/questionnaire, to understand this phenomena in the acquisition of the Englishlanguage by students in the school and classroom environment. The writer concludes that the cooperative classroom in Englishlanguage learning has been shown to be effective in a student's acquisition of the Englishlanguage.
Outline:
Introduction
Statement of Problem
Literature Review
Research Objectives
Hypothesis/Research Questions
Research Design
Assumptions and Limitations
Data Analysis (Questionnaire - Primary Data)
Limitations/Research Ethics
Conclusions
From the Paper "It is assumed that the teachers in the survey know what cooperative learning actually is and that the teacher has used it consistently for at least one semester of the school year prior to the conduction of this study. It is further assumed that the students interviewed in this survey are not schooled in what cooperative learning actually is in terms of theoretical framework and case study research or techniques or methods of delivering instruction and that their view will be unclouded by this aspect of the learning environment. Limitations exist in this study in that there may be other varying factors that influence the acquisition of the English language, however this research proposal has attempted to allow for that in the instrument used for gathering data or the survey/questionnaire through asking relevant questions as to the home environment and other factors in the life of the student that might be the factor for more success in language acquisition in the school environment."
Abstract This paper explains how ELL students (Englishlanguage learners) have a higher potential to fail in school, particularly those from rural poor areas for many reasons. The paper examines what methods appear to work better for ELL to effectively acquire mastery of the Englishlanguage. The paper researches this question and concludes that Englishlanguageacquisition among rural students in the South Bronx is best facilitated through a community based learning methodology. Such a method is more likely to take into consideration the students' culture and familial background, which studies suggest are vital to Englishlanguageacquisition in the classroom.
Contents:
Problem Statement
Research Question
Literature Review
Cooperative Learning
Hypothesis
From the Paper "According to recent studies published by the National Clearinghouse for Bilingual Education (2002) more and more students are entering the U.S. public school system with languages other than English as their primary language (Mohr 18). Rapid proficiency of the English language is often very difficult, though many schools tend to focus on this rather than focus on finding effective teaching strategies or the most appropriate instruction for ELL's (Mohr 18). It is vital that educators find ways to better instruct and support ELL's using "an invigorated approach" that maximizes language acquisitions and encourages strong commitment from teachers and students (Mohr 18)."
Abstract This paper discusses the different learning styles and language proficiency in terms of second languageacquisition. It provides an overview of learning styles and their effects on language skills and variables. The paper looks at learning theories and contains an outline.
Tags: Learning style, language proficiency, second languageacquisition, English as a second language
This paper is a complete research project to test the effectiveness of community/ collaborative-based learning approaches on urban Englishlanguage learners (ELL).
Abstract This paper supports the hypothesis, based on preliminary literature research, that Englishlanguageacquisition among urban students would be better facilitated through a community/collaborative based learning methodology, which is more likely to incorporate participative instruction, encourage collaboration in the classroom and include the use of technology, as opposed to traditional, linear methods. The paper points out that the subjects for this study were students from a South Bronx community school district, which is charachterized by lower incomes and is predominately Hispanic but also includes individuals with diverse ethnic heritages such as American Indian, Asian, African American and Caucasian. The paper relates that the design of this research study was (1) a random assignment of subjects, (2) within a two group pretest-posttest design and (3) with an untreated control group.
Table of Contents:
Statement of the Problem
Literature Review
Hypothesis
Method
Subjects
Instruments
Design
Assignment Summary
Procedure
Results
Discussion
Appendix 1: Directions for Administering the SOLOM
Appendix 2: Post Study Survey and Directions for Administering
Appendix 3: Table of Results
From the Paper "There was also a limitation in regard to the instructor's observations of the students in an effort to complete the SOLOM matrix. The halo effect, or the individual biases of the instructor, may have biased their reporting of the language skills of students in either the pretest or the posttest. Additionally, the halo effect can bias observers from one category to the next. In other words, if an instructor rated a student particularly highly in reading comprehension, that instructor may also rate the student highly in other areas, even if the student is undeserving."
Abstract In this book review of "How Children Learn the Meanings of Words", author Paul Bloom's theory of languageacquisition in small children is explained. The paper discusses the primary theory called the "theory of mind," which is also called naive psychology. The paper explains that the book presents this theory on languageacquisition through descriptions of research, presented in a clear and largely conversational manner. The writer of the review recommends this book to both students and to parents interested in helping their children acquire language.
Outline:
Theory of Mind
Fast Mapping
Objects and Concepts
Context Learning
About this Book
Conclusion
From the Paper "This book describes the process of language acquisition through syntactic cues that are present in the child's environment. Such a process is not just a part of language acquisition, but is also part of other forms of reasoning as well. The capacity to learn language in such a way belongs to human beings alone. Although other mammals are capable of communicating in what could be considered to be a limited language, only humans have the capability to acquire abstract concepts."
Abstract The paper examines how children acquire a second language through social interaction and environment through supporting Lev Vygotsky's theory in second languageacquisition. The paper focuses on school age children seven years of age and older.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
SLA & the Influence of the Sociocultural Environment
SLA and Collier's Conceptual Model
Empirical Evidence Presented
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "The social and cultural processes in the students' every day life are central to the language acquisition of the student. This includes cultural processes in the students' life in terms of the past, present and future and includes all contexts of "home, school, community, and the broader society." In terms of language development or linguistic processes which are a second component of the model Collier states that these consists of "the subconscious aspects of language development as well as metalinguistic, conscious formal teaching of language in school, and acquisition of the written system of language." Collier states that this is inclusive of both oral and written language acquisition. Academic development is a third component of this model and is inclusive of "all school work in language arts, mathematics, the sciences, and social studies for each grade level." Academic work through the progression of each grade brings expansion to the vocabulary, sociolinguistic, and discourse dimensions to the language higher cognition."
Tags: formal, teaching, acquisition, mediation, semiotic, systems
Abstract This paper discusses phonemes and how they apply to the Englishlanguage. The author traces changes in this language beginning with Old English and moving through Middle English to present-day English, and provides examples of changes in each. The author also explains why only forty-four out of a possible three hundred phonemes are used in present-day English.
From the Paper "A phoneme, as defined by Crystal is, "The smallest contrastive unit in the system of a language"(456). There are approximately three hundred phonemes in existence that are shared by the five thousand plus languages of the world. The English language only uses forty-four of the three hundred total phonemes. Some languages require more than forty-four phonemes and some require less in order to function. The truth is that none of the world's languages use the three hundred available phonemes. Languages use only as many as they need in order to be understood. The reason that the English language uses a mere forty-four phonemes is very simple; that is all that it needs. However, the number of phonemes in our language has changed, and it will probably change in the future. It is important to examine the reasons for change and discuss why the number of English phonemes is so limited."
Abstract This paper explains good and bad uses to which ambiguity in the Englishlanguage are put. The author argues that there is a linkage between language ambiguity and ethics. The paper presents examples of linguistic ambiguity.
From the Paper "Ambiguity as a linguistic and rhetorical strategy can take a variety of forms as Empson shows in "Seven Types of Ambiguity". It is important to recognize that Empson's study does not necessarily exhaust the subject of linguistic ambiguity when he identifies seven ..."
The paper discusses the importance of written exercises as part of a more comprehensive and diversified approach to teaching English as a second language in the classroom.
Abstract This paper discusses the relevance of various writing exercises to the student's mastery of English as a second language (ESL) and argues in favor of more writing activities within ESL classrooms. The paper argues that written exercises are a vital component of the languageacquisition process. For ESL students, or any other student attempting to learn another language, to fully embrace the language and adopt comprehensible and meaningful communication strategies they must routinely incorporate written exercises into daily instruction. Students who combine written exercises with reading comprehension and oral civilities are far more likely to acquire successful languageacquisition than those who focus on one method or another.
From the Paper "Incorporation of various writing exercises is vital toward promoting adequate language acquisition for students learning English as a second language. Writing exercises help students learn how to initiate and create comprehensible communication, and help close the gap between oral, verbal and written communication. Students who do not engage in consistent written exercises are less likely to master English as a language than students who consistently engage in written exercises inside of and outside the classroom. This paper will discuss the relevance of various writing exercises to student's mastery of English as a second language and argue in favor of more writing activities within ESL classrooms."
Abstract This paper serves as a guide for teaching students English as a second language. It is divided into three parts. The first part deals with the first three weeks of educating a group that has never before learned English. The paper explains the characteristics of the material intended to be taught. It also clarifies what one should do if the students made mistakes and deals with ways of encouraging students to talk. The second part of the paper explores the required environment for second languageacquisition and the thirds part discusses factors that are beneficial for second language learning efforts.
From the Paper "First impressions are important in establishing a good relationship between teachers and students. Foreign students often come to the classroom with many fears. (Cary, 2000) Therefore, it is very important that the teacher establish a friendly, enthusiastic atmosphere free of any negative vibes. (Samway, 1999) Even though the students are afraid, this can be eased by a friendly smile and pleasant small talk. This is especially important before giving any sort of assessment test, which should be given during the first class of the term as part of class orientation."
Abstract This paper focuses on peer assisted learning strategies and how student attitudes affect performance in SLA. It critically evaluates five studies with a focus on how the research methodology might have been improved, what potential bias' researcher might have brought to the study, as well as the implications of the studies themselves. The articles are; "Negotiation for Meaning and Peer Assistance in Second Language Classrooms" by Pauline Foster and Amy Snyder-Ohta, "Impact of Classroom Dynamics on the Effectiveness of Recasts in Second LanguageAcquisition" by Frank Morris and Elaine Tarone, "Collaborative E-mail Exchange for Teaching Secondary ESL: A Case Study in Hong Kong" by Roseanne Greenfield, "Cooperation and Competition in a Korean Middle School English Class: A Case Study" by Lee Sung-Lim and "The Effects of Reciprocal Peer Tutoring on Graduate Student's Achievement, Test Anxiety, and Academic Self-Efficacy" by Bryan and Marlynn Griffin.
Outline
"Negotiation for Meaning and Peer Assistance in Second Language Classrooms"
"Impact of Classroom Dynamics on the Effectiveness of Recasts in Second LanguageAcquisition"
"Collaborative E-mail Exchange for Teaching Secondary ESL: A Case Study in Hong Kong"
"Cooperation and Competition in a Korean Middle School English Class: A Case Study"
"The Effects of Reciprocal Peer Tutoring on Graduate Student's Achievement, Test Anxiety, and Academic Self-Efficacy"
Conclusion
From the Paper "Peer-assisted learning is an educational concept that has long been used to actively engage students in the knowledge acquisition process, and is known by a variety of names, such as collaborative learning, cooperative learning, collective learning, learning communities, peer teaching, peer learning, peer coaching, reciprocal learning, team learning, study circles, study groups, and work groups (adapted from Gross-Davis, 1993:http://teaching.berkeley.edu/bgd/collaborative.html), which, though these terms are not interchangeable, share its most salient feature, peer-assisted knowledge acquisition, in contrast to individualistic study."
