REFLECTION 4

Unit 12 Differences between L1 and L2 learning

When checking this unit I leant thatL1 learning happens outside the classroom while L2 learning happens in the classroom, L1 learning follow the same process that we developed to acquire our first language: through exposure, interaction, doing, etc. L2 learning is quite complicated specially because of the agesince when learners are younger they do it in the same as L1, however, for adults it is difficult due to their cognitive abilities. L2 Teachers need to motivatestudents by using strategies to make students active in the class. In addition, sometimes it is necessary analyzed learners to know their learning stylesor expectations to satisfy them as well as create an atmosphere where learners can use the L2 as much as possible. In a L2 classroom I will use activities like, pair and group work to encourage learners to become confidentwhen interacting and praise them if they are children. When teaching to adults I will use the language functions to provide them opportunities to use the language as much as possible focusing on form.

For more information you can use these websites:

Video

• Myles, F.Language and Linguistics "Second language acquisition. Retrieved from:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZhqNDCjKQw
• Multilingualism.Similarities and Differences between First and Second Language Acquisition. Retrieved from: http://multilingualism.pbworks.com/w/page/21913433/Similarities%20and%20Differences%20between%20First%20and%20Second%20Language%20Acquisition

REFLECTION 3

Unit 11 The role of error

In this unit I learnt that mistakes are a common part of the learning process because through them learners measure their success or failure when using the language, they are divided into errors and slips. When learners unconsciously use complex or difficult language that is not according to their level, it is called error. But when learners are tired or not paying attention at what they do and they know the language, it is called slip. Learners make mistakes for some reasons: interference and developmental error which causes problems when using tenses or the same sound in the two languages. Errorsgive teachers and students a clue about how well they are learning and progressing in order to help and avoid that errors get fossilized because of the lack of exposureof  L2. In the classroom I will pay attention to mistakes carefully to help and correct them in the appropriate moment through exercises like, reformulation and practice to avoid fossilization. Therefore, errors and interlanguage are part of language learning these let teachers know how much students know and make them realize and correct their own mistakes.

For more information you can use these links:

Grammar Online. Retrieved from:

http://www.english-grammar.at/online_exercises/tenses/present-simple-progressive10.htm

TFLNET. (2010).ways to correct spoken errors. Retrieved from:

http://edition.tefl.net/ideas/speak/correcting-spoken-errors/

REFLECTION 2

Unit 10 Exposure and focus on form

In this unit I learnt the ways to learn a language: acquisition,interaction and focus on form. Acquisition refers to the way we learnt our first language unconsciously just by listening, hearing or working out the meaning without using it because of the level, it means exposure. Interaction with others is another way to learn the language because here we measure and experiment the level of knowledge we have by being able to understand and be understood by others. Learners find it difficult because they have to use structures and the vocabulary to make their messages understandable. Finally, focus on form helps students to identify how pronunciation, word order and grammatical structures are formed and used. In the classroom I will motivate learners to experiment and use the language as much as possible through tasks like: make English-speaking friends, write emails, read books, listen to songs, etc. which help them to develop their receptive and productive skills as well as notice forms with exercises where they can practice and be corrected in a positive way.

For more information you can use these websites :

REFLECTION 1

Unit 9 Motivation

Motivation is the key to achievegoals and make the language learning successful; in this unit I learnt that a learners need to feel comfortable, confident to make their learning process interesting and keep wanting to do it. In the classroom it is relevant that the teacher finds out students’ needs, interests, learning styles to get them involved in the class and avoid that they become demotivated because of the classroom’s environment or activities. In the classroom I will motivate students especially the ones who are unmotivated to learn by giving them positive feedback, paying attention at what they say, making them feel part of the teaching process and using a great variety of activities according to their age, level, trends, likes, etc. To motivate students it is not necessary to do big things or changes, for learners little aspects like a simple smile make them feel important and the reason to impart knowledge.

This video can be a great tool to shared with little children and motivate them in their first approaches to L2 :

THE WHEELS ON THE BUS. Retrieved from:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDWROByBEcc