Module 4: Second Language Acquisition Theory and Practice

This module is a brief review of second language acquisition theory and practice. I provide these articles for your review and commentary as further background for the study of culture in the classroom. The ease and rapidity with which children learn a second language, the optimal age at which to begin second language instruction, the importance of the extent of exposure to the second language, the relationship between oral communication skills and academic language skills, and cultural and individual differences in language learning styles are discussed.

Objectives:
To become aware of the second language process in school practice
To understand that second language acquisition is a complex process
To understand the role of culture in the acquisition process

Topics

This module is divided into two topics. To complete this module successfully, please complete the topics in the order shown below:

1. Second Language Acquisition
2. Second Language Acquisition and Culture

Go on to Cultural Foundations in Bilingual/Multicultural Classrooms
or
Go back to Cultural Component of Bilingual and ESL Instruction