MAAL7004 Instructed Second Language Acquisition
COURSE TEACHER:
Prof. Alessandro Benati
Email: abenati@hku.hk, alessandro.benati@ucd.ie
OVERVIEW
This course introduces students to a wide range of issues related to Instructed Second Language Acquisition (ISLA). It discusses key issues and questions in language acquisition that have driven the bulk of L2 research and theorizing. While the course will cover theoretical and methodological issues of ISLA research, particular attention will be paid to the link between research findings and pedagogy—how teachers can use empirical evidence of ISLA and Second Language Acquisition (SLA) research in their classrooms.
OBJECTIVES
This course will:
- Contrast research of ISLA and SLA research by analyzing key questions and issues in these fields;
- Raise students’ awareness of the research-pedagogy link;
- Familiarize students with pedagogical techniques and tools deriving from ISLA and SLA research;
- Assist students to carry out critical evaluations of ISLA studies
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Develop an in-depth understanding of the key terms and key issues in Second Language Acquisition and Instructed Second Language Acquisition;
- Develop a clear understanding of the interface between research theory and practice in Instructed Second Language Acquisition;
- Be able to develop a principle and evidence-based approach to language instruction;
- Be able to critically analyze empirical research in the field of Instructed Second Language Acquisition.
ASSIGNMENT
Complete a Portfolio of activities.
Research-pedagogy link essay
CORE READING
Benati, A., (2020). Key Questions in Second Language Teaching: An Introduction. Cambridge University Press.
Benati, A. (2022). Key terms for language teachers: A pocket guide. Equinox.
Benati, A. (2024). Second language teacher education: A cognitive and evidence-based perspective. Bloomsbury.
SCHEDULE
| Session | Topic |
| 1 | What is ISLA and SLA? What are the main findings? |
| 2 | How is second language instruction evolved over the years? |
| 3 | What is the role of communication? Interactive speaking and writing tasks |
| 4 | What is the role of input, listening and reading tasks? |
| 5 | What is language? How do we process grammar and vocabulary? |
| 6 | What is the role of corrective feedback? |