Language Learning

Understanding the Language Classroom: an introduction to the psychology of language learning

Module Assessment Task:

1. Journal
After each observation, you should have written a reflective journal, recording your observations, analysing and commenting on your findings. For your assessment submission this should be word-processed. Your observation journal should aim to present observation, interview and questionnaire data, your own reflections on what the data might indicate and a clear indication of your plans for the next observation(s). In this way you should have succeeded in building up a multifaceted perspective of your learners, as evidence for your final analytic study to be completed after your observations. Each weekly journal entry should be between 700-900 words. Ensure you set it out clearly, in episodes with sub-sections throughout*.
3000 words approximately

You can choose to focus on aspects of language learning such as:
1) L2 Motivation and language learning
2) Motivating learners by using tasks/generating interaction
3) Interaction in language classroom
4) Classroom discourse
5) Tasks difficulty and language learning
6) Learning strategies
7) Learning a second language in light of ZPD
8) Use of learning resources

*In order to help you with your reflective journals, we will provide you with some feedback on your first reflective journal. Complete and word-process your observation notes, add your reflections on the observation that you have done and plan for the next observation session, then send it as a word document (.doc) attachment to your tutor by email before 21st March.

2. Analysis of a learner (report)
Drawing on your reflective journal data you should develop an analysis of one learner’s approaches to learning. This analysis should be informed by the data you have collected during your observations and supported by the relevant theories of language learning. That is to say, you will be relating evidence from classroom findings to the theoretical perspectives discussed during the course and to your wider reading. You may choose to adopt a broader or narrower focus to your analysis – depending on what you find most interesting and pertinent to the theory you have been studying during this module but make sure that the focus is chosen from the suggested list given above. Also make sure that the readings that you select are up-to-date and totally relevant to and supportive of your work.
2000 words approximately