How do theories of Second Language Acquisition impact Classroom Practice?

How do theories of Second Language Acquisition impact Classroom Practice?

The purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate your understanding of how Second Language Acquisition theory relates to EFL methodology and classroom practice. 

How do theories of Second Language Acquisition impact Classroom Practice?

You should:

§  Choose an area of TEFL which interests you and explore the methodology (teaching)

§   Discuss to what extent it is effective and how it relates to learning theory/theories

§  Refer to academic literature on SLA theory and EFL teaching to support your work

You could:

§  Choose one aspect of English language teaching (reading, writing, listening, speaking, pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary) and explore best practice for this.  Discuss to what extent learning theory relates to the teaching of this.

§  Choose a particular group of learners (e.g. ESOL, ESP, EAL, adults or children) and explore teaching practice for this group.  Discuss to what extent learning theory relates to this context.

§  Examine how and why teaching English as a Second Language applies different learning theories in different contexts, and/or for different purposes.

Possible structure:

Introduction

·         Introduce the outline of your assignment

Give a brief context for the area of teaching you will be exploring (e.g young learners, grammar)

Give your reasons for choosing this area, and what your aims of the assignment are

Literature Review

·         Introduce the context for the exploration of teaching and relate to wider reading

·         Explore the methodology (teaching strategies) used and relate to wider reading

·         Explore the main themes of the SLA theory which relates to your chosen context

Analysis/Discussion

·         Critically analyse to what extent the teaching methodology is effective

·         Explore how the learning theories relate to the teaching context

·         Discuss any advantages or limitations of this in practice

Conclusion

·         Summary of key points– perhaps relate it to how this will impact your own understanding of teaching English in future