Motivation
What is motivation in the context of language learning?
Motivation is the thoughts and feelings which make us want to and continue to want to do something and which turn our wishes into action
What is the main way children learn their first language, according to experts?
Experts believe that the main way children learn their first language is through exposure, which involves hearing and/or reading it all around them without consciously studying it. They "pick it up" automatically, understanding and using it without realizing they are learning.
What is the role of error?
Making mistakes plays an important and useful part in language learning because it allows learners to experiment with language and measure their success in communicating.
What are the differences between L1 and L2 learning?
There are several key differences between first language (L1) and second language (L2) learning, stemming from factors like age, environment, motivation, and cognitive processes.
What are learner characteristics?
learner characterististics include a learner's motivation, learning style, learning strategies,maturity and past language learning experience.
What Influences Motivation?
- why people decide to do something
- how long they keep wanting to do it
- how they work to achieve it
Why is exposure alone not sufficient for adults learning a foreign language?
Exposure alone is often insufficient for adults learning a foreign language because, unlike children, adults also need to focus on the form of the language. This includes paying attention to pronunciation, writing, grammar, and vocabulary. Focusing on form helps adults understand and apply the language correctly, as they need both exposure and structured learning.
What is the difference between errors and slips in language learning?
Errors occur when learners attempt to use language that is beyond their current knowledge or language processing abilities. Learners often cannot correct errors on their own because they do not understand what is wrong. Slips, on the other hand, are temporary mistakes caused by factors like tiredness or distraction. They are not due to a lack of language knowledge, and learners can usually correct slips themselves once they realize they have made them.
At what stage in life does L1 learning typically occur compared to L2 learning?
L1 learning starts when a child is a baby and continues through early childhood, involving the development of language and academic skills. In contrast, L2 learning usually starts in primary or secondary school and may also begin or continue in adulthood.
How do learning styles influence the way a learner processes information and interacts with others?
Learning styles determine a learner's preferred methods for taking in, processing, and remembering information. They influence whether a learner learns best through visual, auditory, or kinesthetic means, as well as through individual or group work. Learning styles also affect a learner’s approach to thinking—whether they are more reflective, impulsive, analytical, or autonomous in their learning process.
What role does encouragement and support from others play in motivating someone to learn a foreign language?
Encouragement and support from others, such as family or attending a school where language learning is valued, can significantly increase motivation. This support helps learners recognize the importance of the foreign language and gives them emotional backing. People in environments that support language learning are more likely to stay motivated compared to those in places where learning a foreign language is less valued.
What role does interaction play in successfully learning a foreign language?
Interaction plays a critical role in foreign language learning as it helps learners use language to express ideas and ensure they are understood. Through interaction, learners practice and reinforce their understanding by adjusting their language to convey meaning effectively. This process, which often involves paraphrasing and experimenting with language structures, supports successful communication.
What are the two main reasons why second language learners make errors, and how do these reasons differ?
interference and developmental errors
What is a key difference in motivation between L1 and L2 learners?
L1 learners are naturally motivated to learn language because they need it for communication. On the other hand, L2 learners, especially adults and secondary school learners, may have varied levels of motivation and may also hold specific expectations about how language learning should happen.
What are some examples of learning strategies that can help language learners become more independent?
Some examples of learning strategies include repeating new words in one’s head until remembered, experimenting with language by using recently learned vocabulary in conversations, seeking feedback on language use, using the language as much as possible (like talking to tourists), recording oneself to improve pronunciation, and paraphrasing.
According to researchers Z. Dörnyei and K. Csizér, what are some strategies that can influence learners' motivation in the language classroom?
- The teacher should show a good example by being committed and motivated
- Creating a positive classroom atmosphere
- giving clear instuctions etc
Why is it important for learners to hear and read a wide variety of language at the right level for them?
It is important for learners to hear and read a wide variety of language at the right level because it enables them to gradually understand and absorb the language. If the language is slightly below their current level, they can engage with it more easily without becoming overwhelmed. This helps them naturally acquire language through exposure without feeling frustrated by material that is too difficult.
What is interlanguage, and why is it considered an essential part of language learning?
Interlanguage is the learner's own evolving version of the second language, which they develop as they learn. It is an essential part of language learning because it allows learners to unconsciously process, analyze, and reorganize language as they progress. Interlanguage is not fixed; it changes as learners gain more knowledge and skills. This stage, including the errors learners make, is seen as necessary because it mirrors the way young native speakers develop their language skills, gradually correcting mistakes without explicit correction.
How does the role of correction differ between L1 and L2 learning?
In L1 learning, children are rarely directly corrected; instead, adults often reformulate what the child has said, providing a natural model of correct language. In L2 learning, especially in a classroom setting, teachers frequently correct learners, focusing on producing accurate language. This approach may limit opportunities for learners to make mistakes and experiment with the language.
How does maturity impact the learning abilities of children, teenagers, and adults in language learning?
Maturity affects attention span, abstract thinking, and self-control in language learning. Children need to move frequently and have shorter attention spans, often struggling with self-control. Teenagers are beginning to sit still for longer and developing the ability to think in more abstract ways, though they may worry about others' opinions. Adults generally have a longer attention span, can focus on abstract concepts more effectively, and usually have better control over their emotions and behavior, aiding their language learning process.
How should teachers adapt their motivational strategies to suit different learning contexts?
Teachers should choose motivational strategies that best fit the specific learning context of their students. For instance, with young learners, it is often effective to provide praise and positive feedback and to incorporate cultural examples into lessons.
What are some ways teachers can help learners notice forms of language in the classroom?
Teachers can help learners notice forms of language by presenting new target language, asking students to identify grammatical patterns in listening or reading texts, pointing out useful language after tasks, and providing corrections. These methods make learners more aware of specific language structures and patterns.
What is fossilization of errors in language learning, and what are some reasons it might occur?
Fossilization of errors refers to mistakes that learners continue to make over a long time, sometimes indefinitely, even when they are capable of communication in the foreign language. Fossilization often occurs because learners may lack sufficient exposure to the correct language forms, have a conscious or unconscious lack of motivation to improve their accuracy, or because the errors do not impede communication, reducing the need for correction.
What is the purpose of L1 learners' long silent period?
To become familiar with language patterns.
Why is it important for teachers to understand the past language learning experiences of their adult or teenage learners?
Understanding past language learning experiences is important because learners may have specific preferences or expectations about how to learn based on previous methods that were familiar and successful for them, such as grammar-focused instruction or translation. A change to communicative activities, for example, might make some learners feel uncomfortable or resistant. Knowing their background helps teachers adapt methods to meet learners' needs and preferences, facilitating a smoother transition and more effective learning.