Psycholinguistics in Language Teaching

ASSIGNMENT QUESTION

Note: This assignment consists of TWO parts.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this assignment is to expose students to key areas in psycholinguistics in the teaching of English as a second language.

PART I

There are numerous theories behind children’s language acquisition. Among others are the Behaviourist Theory, Innatist Theory, Cognitivist Theory, and the Social-Interactionist Theory.  However, over the years, research found that social interaction is the foundation for language learning.

The Social-Interactionist Theory propagated by Vygotsky (1978) puts forth the idea of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). Vygotsky defines ZPD as:

Those functions that have not yet matured but are in the process of maturation, and the functions that will mature tomorrow but are currently in an embryonic state, are functions could be termed as ‘buds’ or ‘flowers’ of development rather than ‘fruits’ of development.

TASK 1: EXPLANATORY ESSAY (25%)

With reference to the above description, write a 1500 essay to explain the principles of social interaction propagated by Vygotsky and discuss how a Malaysian child with fluent speakers around them would be able to enhance his/her language acquisition.

There are THREE criteria for your essay:

1. your description/explanation/elaboration/understanding of the principles,
2. your personal response/views in the Malaysian context of the discussion, WITH
3. relevant citations from other reading materials (books/journals) to support your points.

Note:

1. Read about Vygotsky’s ideas of social interaction to further explain the principles of ZPD.
2. Refer to Topic 2 (and others) of the HBET1303 Module.
3. Refer to the assignment rubrics as a guide to achieving cohesion and coherence.
4. Avoid plagiarism. You MUST support your essay with AT LEAST TWO (2) pieces of evidence from current (2017 – 2022) and related literature. Use the latest APA format for in-text citations and the reference list.

(25 marks)

TASK 2: LESSON PLAN (25%)

ESL students who are proficient L2 readers will primarily involve in developing appropriate and efficient comprehension strategies (Brown, 2001). In addition, it is believed that word recognition is very essential in reading.

Task Requirements:

1. Prepare a lesson that is based on any ONE Models of Reading – refer to Topic 7.4 of the HBET1303 Module.
2. Plan at least TWO (2) activities in this lesson with complete worksheets (where needed). Provide brief explanations of how each activity is related to the particular model. You should also explain your rationales of choosing such an activity.
3. Keep in mind that your teaching goal is to assist your students to develop word recognition strategies.
4. You are required to use the template below for this assignment. 

E.g. for NOTE (the last column):

 The rationale for getting the students to be in pairs is …

This is in line with _____________Model of Reading

 (25 marks)

PART II: Online Class Participation (10%)

Discuss the following topics in the forum and submit proof of your participation in the online discussions:

1. Which do you think is more difficult in sentence processing, meaning, or structure? Why so?
2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the KBSM English Language Programmed. Share some authentic examples.

(10 marks)