Major Theories of Second Language Acquisition

Major Theories of Second Language Acquisition

1. Input Hypothesis

   • Stephen Krashen
   • We learn language by understanding meaning behind the message. We all learn language the same way.
   • This can be used in the classroom by getting to know your students and teaching in ways which they will understand. Repeating, speaking louder, and writing on the board will not help them understand. They have to understand the meaning behind the words.

2. BICS

   • Jim Cummins
   • Learning language through social interactions and conversations.
   • Students can begin to learn the language by interacting with others but it will take longer to understand a deeper meaning and understanding.

3. Affective Filter

   • Stephen Krashen
   • Students have a filter when it comes to learning languages. When frustrated they may raise their filter and not learn but when they are comfortable they are more open to learning.
   • It's important to make sure that your students are comfortable when in the classroom. If they are having a difficult time more than likely they will not be learning or absorbing any of the language around them. They will be filtering it out.

4. Universal Grammer

   • Noam Chomsky
   • All language has the comes from the same basic understanding. All languages have negatives, nouns, verbs, stc.
   • Identifying similiar characteristics between two languages can help a student better understand the meaning and connection to the new language.

5. CALP

   • Jim Cummins
   • The underneath of the surface learning of a second language. The learning on a academic level and being able to expand beyond social interaction.
   • This takes a longer time. It's important for teachers to not get frustrated when their students are speaking well in conversation but not performing as well academically. They need to continue to help introduce the student into the language.

Images and files in the map