Second Language Acquisition in Childhood

In an over speeding open border world with no limits in communication, acquiring a second language is essential. According to the school curriculums, teachers play a crucial role in facilitating the children to learn a second language. A variety of teaching and learning approaches has been implemented, some of which are: learning grammar rules, vocabulary, memorizing phrases and dialogues, engagement in tasks and games while speaking in the new language. However, in order to communicate effectively with the students, teachers should not only focus on textbooks but also take into account the individual learners’ characteristics, development of knowledge and their ability to use it as well as the environments for learning a second language.

Objectives
The aim of investigating second language learning in childhood is to provide professionals with the opportunity to understand how children acquire a second language, investigate some of the theories of child language learning and teaching methods and apply them based on the learning environment and the needs and abilities of children

Target Groups
Teachers working in primary schools, lower secondary schools, high schools; educational counselors.

Methods & Tools
Lectures, exercises, discussions, teamwork, role-playing, study visits.

Agenda
Day 1
✓ Introductory meeting, explanation of practical arrangements, presentation of timetable, information about course venue.
✓ Icebreaker, introduction to the course
✓ Definition and importance of second language acquisition in childhood

Day 2
✓ Brief explanation and different perspectives of first language acquisition in early childhood
✓ Childhood Bilingualism and benefits of second language acquisition in childhood

Day 3
✓ Second language acquisition theories and applications
✓ Behaviourism: mimicry and memorization
✓ The innatist perspective: universal grammar and Krashen’s ‘monitor model’

Day 4
✓ Second language acquisition: a cognitivist/developmental perspective
✓ Second language acquisition: a sociocultural perspective
✓ Individual learner’s differences and characteristics: learning styles, personality, motivation and attitudes, intelligence and identity.

Day 5
✓ Second language learning environments
✓ Teacher-student interaction and student-student interaction

Day 6
✓ Presentations and discussion on proposals for second language teaching in classroom
✓ Further suggestions for second language teaching in classroom

Day 7
✓ Erasmus+ program: objectives, priorities, actions, forms, budget, tips for applicants
✓ Planning follow up activities, dissemination and exploitation of learning outcomes
✓ Course Evaluation
✓ Certifications