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Unit of study_

EDPJ5002: Second Language Acquisition

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit presents the major theoretical frameworks used to consider issues in pre-school language development, first language development during the school years and the learning of second and subsequent languages by children and adults. It will discuss the common features in language development and also takes into account issues of social opportunity, age-related factors and other individual factors which lead to differential language proficiency in learners.

Unit details and rules

Unit code EDPJ5002
Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Aek Phakiti, aek.phakiti@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Small continuous assessment Formative assessment
Five online quizzes and two written learning reflections.
20% Ongoing 1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
Assignment A Critical Review of an SLA theory, hypothesis or approach
Review an SLA theory, hypothesis or approach
40% Week 06
Due date: 27 Mar 2024 at 23:59
2500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Assignment Explaining second language learning
An inquiry into an ESL/EFL learner's learning and experiences
40% Week 13
Due date: 22 May 2024 at 23:59
2500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3

Assessment summary

  • Formative assessment (20%): Student are asked to write online reflections on Canvas (2 x 2 reflections of at least 250 words each (Weeks 4 and 10); 10%). Additionally, there are five online quizzes which ask students to complete before or after the class (70% success for each quiz) (10%).
  • A Critical Review of an SLA theory, hypothesis or approach (40%)
  • Explaining second language learning (40%): 

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas and explained during the semester.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to second language acquisition Reading: Lightbown & Spada (2021). Introduction Lightbown & Spada (2021). Glossary Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 SLA and language learning in early childhood Reading: Lightbown & Spada (2021). Chapter 1 (Preview to The School Years) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 03 Explaining first language acquisition Reading: Lightbown & Spada (2021). Chapter 1 (From Explaining first language to Suggestions for further reading) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 04 Second language learning Reading: Lightbown & Spada (2021), Chapter 2 (From Preview to Contrastive analysis, error analysis and interlanguage) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 05 Developmental sequences in second language learning Reading: Lightbown & Spada (2021), Chapter 2 (From Developmental sequences to Suggestions for further reading) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 06 Explaining second language learning Reading: Lightbown & Spada (2021), Chapter 4 (From Preview to Cognitive perspectives) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 07 Explaining second language learning Reading: Lightbown & Spada (2021), Chapter 4 (From The sociocultural perspective to Suggestions for further reading) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 08 Individual differences in SLA (1) Reading: Lightbown & Spada (2021), Chapter 3 (From Preview to Learning Styles and Learner beliefs) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 10 Individual differences in SLA (2) Reading: Lightbown & Spada (2021), Chapter 3 (From Individual differences and classroom instruction to Suggestions for further reading) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 11 Observing classroom teaching and learning in the language classroom Reading: Lightbown & Spada (2021): Chapter 5 Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 12 Second language learning in the classroom Reading: Lightbown & Spada (2021). Chapter 6 (Second language learning in the classroom) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 13 Popular ideas and teachers' beliefs about language learning Reading: Lightbown & Spada (2021). Chapter 7 (Popular ideas about second language learning revisited) Phakiti & Plonsky (2018) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: The Sydney School of Education and Social Work requires attendance of at least 90 percent of all seminars, workshops or lectures. Where a student is unable to attend at the required rate evidence of illness or misadventure may be required and the student may be required to undertake extra work. Students should discuss the circumstances of their absence(s) with the co-ordinator of the unit of study. Further details are provided in the School canvas site: https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/13426

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Set text

Lightbown, P.M. & Spada, N. (2021). How languages are learned (5th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Other reading

Phakiti, A., & Plansky, L. (2018). Reconciling beliefs about L2 learning with SLA theory and research. RELC Journal, 49(2), 217-237.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. describe and explain the nature of second language learning/acquisition
  • LO2. explain factors affecting second language learning/acquisition
  • LO3. suggest instruction for successful second and/or foreign language development

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No change to the unit of study outline, but teaching and learning in the unit of study will be been updated and improved based on student feedback.

Site visit guidelines

If you are undertaking professional experience/field education placement as part of your enrolment in this unit of study, please assess your specific needs and requirements for the safe and successful completion of an external placement within a host organisation. You will be given the opportunity to disclose any health issues that have a work health and safety significance before arranging a placement so that your safety, and the safety of others, can be properly assessed. The Professional Experience Coordinator/Field Education Manager will work to ensure that the workplace assignment to you is appropriate for your needs and requirements. If you are experiencing disability, and require reasonable adjustments to be arranged, please contact Disability Services as early as possible prior to commencing the internship. Please note, in all cases, and for the purpose of organising reasonable adjustments, only the impact and not the nature, of your disability will be disclosed to the host organisation.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.