New frontiers for language instruction: Theory, research and pedagogy
17 May 2023
The University of Hong Kong
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Programme
| 09:30 – 10:00 | Registration, tea and coffee |
| 10:00 – 10:15 | Opening of the Colloquium
Alessandro Benati, The University of Hong Kong |
| 10:15 – 11:00 | Paper 1
Innovation in language teaching: Reconnecting to second language acquisition Alessandro Benati, The University of Hong Kong |
| 11:00 – 11:45 | Paper 2
Effective and efficient processing are the goals: Insights from eye-tracking in instructed second language acquisition James Lee, Texas Tech University |
| 11:45 – 12:30 | Paper 3
Rethinking the separation between vocabulary and grammar in language teaching Michael Leeser, Florida State University |
| 12:30 – 13:00 | Roundtable (Moderator: Alessandro Benati) and Closing
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| 13:00 – 14:00 | Chinese Set Lunch (Ming Pavilion, 14/F K K Leung Building, HKU)
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Papers
Paper 1
Innovation in language teaching: Reconnecting to SLA
Alessandro Benati (HKU)
Abstract: In this talk, a strong connection will be made between the need for innovation in second language teaching and the need for teachers to develop a knowledge about the nature of language, the nature of communication, and how acquisition actually happens. Language scientists know that language is not textbook rules and charts, but teachers might still think that what winds up in people’s heads is what they see in textbooks. It is also important to have a working knowledge of communication. What is it? What are its characteristics? How does it develop? The same questions raised in relation to language and communication must be addressed to developing an understanding of how language acquisition happens. The future for innovative language teaching requires language teachers to develop a knowledge of the nature of language, communication and acquisition. The question is: How do we make such knowledge commonplace in language teaching?
Paper 2
Effective and efficient processing are the goals: Insights from eye-tracking in instructed second language acquisition
James F. Lee (Texas Tech University, USA)
Abstract: This presentation highlights the findings from five studies that all used eye-tracking methodology as the research method. These studies demonstrate that language learners are neither effective processors of grammatical, lexical and visual information, nor, consequently efficient processors. If, for example, the target linguistic item is a verb form, yet the L2 learner only looks at the verb form once, then acquisition of the verb morphology is highly unlikely. This is not effective processing. Additionally, eye tracking shows that processing behaviors are both ineffective and inefficient on a standardized test of second language reading. Eye-tracking research provides insights to L2 teachers that can make their teaching more effective and efficient for their students.
Paper 3
Rethinking the separation between vocabulary and grammar in language teaching
Michael Leeser (Florida State University, USA)
Abstract: Language teaching materials often present vocabulary and grammar separately. This separation gives both teachers and learners the false impression that vocabulary and grammar comprise distinct components of language and, therefore, require different types of instruction. In the first part of this talk, we will see that the distinction between “words” and “rules” is not clear-cut. Furthermore, research suggests that grammatical knowledge develops alongside lexical knowledge. Using contemporary perspectives on language and second language acquisition as a backdrop, in the second part of this talk we will explore approaches to instruction that support the development of both vocabulary and grammar.
Registration
Registration
To reserve a seat in the colloquium, please click here.
Please note that the lunch is now fully booked.
Please indicate your preferred choice of attendance (i.e., in-person at HKU or online via Zoom) on the registration form. The meeting link will be sent via e-mail to participants who have opted for online attendance a few days before the colloquium.
Colloquium Venue
Venue
Room CPD-3.04, Run Run Shaw Tower,
Centennial Campus, The University of Hong Kong
The Colloquium will be held at the Lecture Theatre (CPD 3.04), level 3 in Run Run Shaw Tower (CRT) on the brand-new Centennial Campus, which is directly accessible by MTR.
The foyer outside the Colloquium is reserved for registration and morning tea/coffee/light refreshments.
Direction to Run Run Shaw Tower, The University of Hong Kong
Post-colloquium Lunch
Venue
Ming Pavilion, 14/F K K Leung Building, The University of Hong Kong
Direction to Ming Pavilion