Institute of Education London

The Second Language Learning Experience

Course Code:MMALIE_05

This module begins with a critique of mainstream SLA research and proposes that in addition to a focus on the linguistic and cognitive constraints on second language development and the benefit of conversational interaction to second language development, there is a need for a focus on a number of factors which influence, both negatively and positively, second language development. Among the factors to be considered are the effects of age; the role of aptitude and intelligence; the influence of learning style and personality on learning strategies; the interaction between language, culture and identity (including questions of gender and ethnicity); the effects of beliefs about language, learning and teaching; and the influence of attitudes and motivation. Sessions will be organised around a combination of lectures and group discussions. In some cases group discussions will be student led. This module is assessed by a coursework assignment of 5,000 words in length.

Related Programmes

Bilingual Learners MA
Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (Distance Learning) MA
Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) MA
World Englishes MA