Second Language Learning Quiz

What is the importance of understanding Language Acquisition Theories for ELL educators?

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Answer explanation

Having an understanding of Language Acquisition Theories help educators to select the best language learning strategies to support ELLs. This also prevents educators from using teaching practice that may be ineffective, insufficient or out dated.

Which one of the following is NOT included in Krashen's 5 theories of language acquisition?

• Listening is the priority for language learners and they need to have access to comprehensible input to learn the language.

• Making mistakes is crucial in learning language but an internal filter that prevents making mistakes can interfere with the language learning process.

• People have innate ability for language that allows them to learn a language from birth.

• ELLs learn better in low stress environment because stress inhibits learning.

Answer explanation

The answer refers to Chomsky's Theory of Universal Grammar. This theory has limitations in its application to second language learning. All the rest of the descriptions refer to Krashen's hypotheses: The acquisition-learning hypothesis, the input hypothesis, the monitory hypothesis, the affective filter hypothesis.

Why is Skinner's Operant Conditioning (positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement of language through a habit of dialogue and drilling) not enough for learning the second language?

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Answer explanation

This theory excludes meaning of language and focuses on memorization and exposure to dialogue. This theory also penalizes making mistake because it focuses on correcting and preventing error. This makes language learning stressful which prevents learning.

Explain what comprehensible input is.

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Answer explanation

Comprehensible input is when the message in the input (wether it is what one hears or reads) is understandable.

Which one of the following is NOT a characteristic of optimal input?

• It is comprehensible.

• It is compelling/interesting.

• It is rich in language that contributes to the message.

• Quantity of input is not important. Only quality is important.

Answer explanation

Quality of the optimal input is important. However, quantity is an important chracteristics of optimal input as well. As Krashen mentions, "It takes a lo of comprehensible, compelling, rich input to make real progress" (Krashen, 2019).

Krashen, S. (2019, December 26). Optimal Input [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/S_j4JELf8DA

Why should an educator avoid forcing ELLs to speak before being ready?

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Answer explanation

Forcing ELLs to speak before they are ready increases their anxiety and could induce affective filter which interferes with language learning. Silence at the beginning is normal as students acquire optimal input. As Krashen mentions, "Language can be acquired with no output at all" (Krashen, 2019).

Krashen, S. (2019, December 26). Optimal Input [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/S_j4JELf8DA

List three forms of the best optimal input.

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Answer explanation

These are some possible answers: drawings, pictures, story-telling with occasional translation and explanation, stage-guided self-selected reading, realia, etc.

Affective Filter Hypothesis talks about Language Acquisition Device (LAD) in the brain that is responsible for language learning. Filter can block input from entering into LAD. Which of the following creates this filter?

• Increased motivation

• Decreased Anxiety

• Excessive error correction

• High self-esteem

Answer explanation

Excessive error correction could give ELLs false idea that making mistakes is bad. This not only penalizes mistakes, but also raises anxiety and lowers self-esteem of students. Low motivation, low self-esteem, and high anxiety creates the affective filter that prevents input from entering into the LAD.

Which one of the following is NOT a principle of effective second language learning?

• Students previous knowledge, experiences and cultures are valuable resources.

• Instructions should include multiple modalities, including oral, written, visual, and kinesthetics modes of communication.

• Students should be encouraged to continue developing their first language.

• Instructions on language should be separated from instructions on curricular content.

Answer explanation

Students learn the language better when it's within the meaningful context. "Integrating language teaching with the teaching of curricular content in thematic units simultaneously develops student's language, subject-specific knowledge, and high-order thinking skills" (BC Ministry of Education, 2017).

BC Ministry of Education. (2017). English Language Learning (ELL) Standards. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/kindergarten-to-grade-12/teach/teacher-regulation/standards-for-educators/edu_standards.pdf

Why is it important to encourage ELL students to develop their first language simultaneously?

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Answer explanation

Research shows that more established literacy practices is in the first language, the more successful students will be in learning the second language (Huynh, 2021). "Multilingual learners use their full linguistic reportoire, including translaguaging practices, to enrich their language development and learning" (WIDA, 2019).

Huynh, T. (2021, June 28). 9 Damaging Myths about Dual Language Acquisition. Middle Web All About the MIddle Grades. https://www.middleweb.com/45391/9-damaging-myths-about-dual-language-programs/

WIDA. (n.d.). WIDA Guiding principles of language development. WIDA Guiding Principles of Language Development. https://wida.wisc.edu/sites/default/files/resource/Guiding-Principles-of-Language-Development.pdf