SLA Basics
What does SLA stand for?
Second Language Acquisition.
Which approach emphasises imitation, repetition and reinforcement?
Behaviourism.
What is comprehensible input?
Language the learner hears or reads and can understand.
What does “noticing” mean in language learning?
Paying attention to a language feature.
What is output?
Language the learner speaks or writes.
Can language acquisition happen outside a classroom? Give one example.
Yes, for example through conversations, films or games.
Which theorist is associated with Universal Grammar?
Chomsky
Which theorist proposed the Affective Filter Hypothesis?
Krashen
A learner spots -ed in walked and played. Which theorist emphasised this kind of attention?
Schmidt.
Which theorist suggests that speaking or writing can help learners discover gaps in their knowledge?
Long
Explain the difference between input and output, using examples.
Input is received through listening or reading. Output is produced through speaking or writing.
A learner repeatedly hears “Would you like…?” and the pattern becomes familiar. Which theory explains this through strengthening associations?
Connectionism.
In Krashen’s theory, what does i + 1 mean?
Input includes some language beyond the learner’s current level, while the message remains understandable.
What is automaticity?
Using language with less conscious effort.
Which theorist suggests that speaking or writing can help learners discover gaps in their knowledge?
Swain
A learner reads a message and replies. Identify the input and output. What would make this interaction?
Reading is input; replying is output. An exchange of messages between people makes it interaction.
A learner says “goed”, although adults say “went”. What does this suggest about how the learner is learning?
The learner is applying a pattern, rather than simply copying what they hear.
A beginner understands a German story with pictures. Explain how the pictures support comprehensible input.
Pictures provide context that helps the learner infer unfamiliar language and follow the message.
A learner knows the past-tense rule but says “Yesterday I go shopping.” Why might this happen?
Knowing a rule and retrieving it during speech are different abilities. The learner may need time and meaningful practice.
A learner asks, “What does entrance mean?” Their partner explains, and the learner checks, “The main door?” Which process is happening?
Negotiation of meaning: speakers work together to reach understanding.
A learner listens to a podcast, notices a phrase, rehearses it and uses it with a friend. Identify four learning processes.
Input, noticing, practice and output. Also accept interaction if there is an exchange with the friend.
Explain one difference between behaviourism and connectionism.
Behaviourism emphasises habit formation through stimulus, response and reinforcement. Connectionism emphasises strengthening associations through repeated encounters.
A nervous learner understands the lesson but avoids speaking. Suggest a supportive activity and explain its connection to the affective filter.
Prepare and rehearse with a patient partner. A supportive atmosphere may reduce anxiety and help participation.
Explain the difference between practising a known rule and learning a pattern through repeated encounters.
Skill acquisition concerns practice that makes using known language more efficient. Connectionism concerns strengthening associations through exposure to patterns.
A partner changes “He go yesterday” to “He went yesterday?” Name this feedback. Does repeating the correction prove lasting learning?
A recast. No, immediate repetition does not prove lasting learning or independent use.