This seminar will be presented by Prof. Rhonda Oliver, School of Education at Curtin University.
Abstract: Within the field of second language acquisition (SLA), there has been much less research undertaken with children than with adults, yet the two cohorts are quite distinct in characteristics and in their learning processes. This presentation provides a review of child SLA research, particularly the research with a pedagogical focus. I describe a series of studies, including those informed by different theoretical perspectives (interactionist and sociocultural), in different instructional settings (i.e.,second language, foreign language, immersion, and content and language integrated learning [CLIL] contexts) and using different research methodologies (longitudinal,case study, experimental, and naturalistic). I begin by highlighting the importance of age as a factor in SLA research, presenting studies that have focused on the differences existing between younger and older learners. I also consider interventions that can support language learningincluding form-focused instruction and the use of tasks. I finish by presenting a proposed change in the way that research with children is conducted.
Biography: Rhonda Oliver is a Professor of Education at Curtin University, Perth, Australia. She is widely published in the area of second language acquisition. Internationally she is best known for her work in relation to child language learners. As well as work within the interactionist paradigm she has also conducted numerous studies on ESL and mainstream learners in schools and universities, and more recently she has undertaken work in the area of Aboriginal education.
Abstract: Within the field of second language acquisition (SLA), there has been much less research undertaken with children than with adults, yet the two cohorts are quite distinct in characteristics and in their learning processes. This presentation provides a review of child SLA research, particularly the research with a pedagogical focus. I describe a series of studies, including those informed by different theoretical perspectives (interactionist and sociocultural), in different instructional settings (i.e.,second language, foreign language, immersion, and content and language integrated learning [CLIL] contexts) and using different research methodologies (longitudinal,case study, experimental, and naturalistic). I begin by highlighting the importance of age as a factor in SLA research, presenting studies that have focused on the differences existing between younger and older learners. I also consider interventions that can support language learningincluding form-focused instruction and the use of tasks. I finish by presenting a proposed change in the way that research with children is conducted.
Biography: Rhonda Oliver is a Professor of Education at Curtin University, Perth, Australia. She is widely published in the area of second language acquisition. Internationally she is best known for her work in relation to child language learners. As well as work within the interactionist paradigm she has also conducted numerous studies on ESL and mainstream learners in schools and universities, and more recently she has undertaken work in the area of Aboriginal education.