University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Only available to students on a PGT TESOL programme

Planned timetable: Lectures: Mondays 2-4, Tuesdays 2-4 Weeks 1-5. Practical: Day and Time to be confirmed, Weeks 1-5

This module focuses on how subsequent languages are learned after the first/native language. Theories of language acquisition will be evaluated, from behaviourism to current theory. Students need to trace the development of such theories in order to consider what each theory offers. Ways in which all learners appear to follow a similar route will be considered before making a detailed study of individual learner differences, in particular levels of motivation and the development and application of language learning strategies. The module then investigates how theories of language acquisition inform teaching, and the lack of interface between research and practice will be discussed.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 4 hours lectures (x 5 weeks), 1 hour seminar (x 5 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours: 36

Guided independent study hours: 115

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 100% coursework

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 40%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 60%

Re-assessment: 100% coursework

Personnel

Module coordinator: Mrs K Tavakoli
Module teaching staff: Mrs Kerry Tavakoli, Ms Kirsty McCall
Module coordinator email kt9@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• explain the main theories of language acquisition and how they interact
• summarise the main contributions of key second language acquisition theorists to the field of language teaching
• relate second language acquisition theories and research to language teaching
• analyse individual learner differences and relate them to learner language development
• engage with the complex nature of language learning strategies