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LLSS 556: First and Second Language Development

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Aoril 10, 2008 (class #12)
Topic: Misconceptions about second language learners: critical periods

Class Outline:

Announcements & quick questions and quandaries:

Remember your language use assignment is due in two weeks. Come and see me if you have questions!

Please turn in today’s reading questions.

Next week you should turn in a BRIEF summary of a required or recommended readings. Use this as an opportunity to get ahead on the final essay.

Interactive presentation: critical periods.

Quick write: What things had you heard about the relative abilities of older and younger second language learners before coming to this class? How might you convey what you now know to a group of fellow educators and/or concerned parents?

Small group activity: In small group answer the following questions:

What is the critical period hypothesis?

What does this have to do with the question of whether it is easier or harder to learn a second language when you are young?

Summarize your answers to these two questions on big paper for the subsequent gallery walk.

Lesson closure activity from Reading Quest web site.
Please download this handout:
http://www.readingquest.org/pdf/closure_frame.pdf

Minute paper

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Overheads:
PowerPoint
Handouts:
none tonight
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Readings
Note: All of the readings, required and recommended, can be found on the electronic reserves at Zimmerman library. Please contact the instructor for the course password.

Authors: Marinova-Todd, Marshall, & Snow

1) So, what is a 'critical period?"

2) Why is the debate over whether or not there is a critical period for second language development so important?

3) What arguments do the authors present to refute the notion of a critical period for second language development?

4) What are the educational implications of the nonexistence of a critical period for second language development?

5) Now that you've read this article:
...what are some new terms for you from this chapter?

...what seem to be some important concepts in this reading?

...what new questions do you have?

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Julia Scherba de Valenzuela, Ph.D.

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Last updated: March 30, 2008

	Announcements & quick questions and quandaries: Remember your language use assignment is due in two weeks. Come and see me if you have questions! Please turn in today’s reading questions. Next week you should turn in a BRIEF summary of a required or recommended readings. Use this as an opportunity to get ahead on the final essay.
	Interactive presentation: critical periods.
	Quick write: What things had you heard about the relative abilities of older and younger second language learners before coming to this class? How might you convey what you now know to a group of fellow educators and/or concerned parents?
	Small group activity: In small group answer the following questions: What is the critical period hypothesis? What does this have to do with the question of whether it is easier or harder to learn a second language when you are young? Summarize your answers to these two questions on big paper for the subsequent gallery walk.
	Lesson closure activity from Reading Quest web site. Please download this handout: http://www.readingquest.org/pdf/closure_frame.pdf
	Minute paper

1)	So, what is a 'critical period?"
2)	Why is the debate over whether or not there is a critical period for second language development so important?
3)	What arguments do the authors present to refute the notion of a critical period for second language development?
4)	What are the educational implications of the nonexistence of a critical period for second language development?
5)	Now that you've read this article: ...what are some new terms for you from this chapter? ...what seem to be some important concepts in this reading? ...what new questions do you have?