Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University

Faculty of Education, Department of Foreign Language Education

Spring Semester 2023-2024

Course Instructor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anıl Rakıcıoğlu-Söylemez Course: ING0120818 Second Language Acquisition
Contact Information: sanil@ibu.edu.tr Tuesday 13:30 / 15:30; Room 230
Google Classroom: https://classroom.google.com/c/NjYzMTc3OTg4MDU3?cjc=mpxqxv7
Course code: mpxqxv7
Course-related resources: https://padlet.com/anilsoylemez/languageacquisition
Mid-term and final submissions:
Course Description: This course is specifically tailored to provide aspiring English as a Foreign Language (EFL)
teachers with an extensive understanding of the theories and concepts related to second language learning, focusing on
cognitive and psychological approaches. In addition to the learning theories, the course delves into psychological factors
influencing language learning, such as personality, motivation, learning styles, and strategies. The main objective of this
course is to help EFL teachers comprehend the current research and theories in Second Language Acquisition (SLA),
understand the historical development of the SLA field, explore the terminology and key figures involved in the field,
and examine the connection between SLA theories, research, and teaching and learning first and second languages.
Required Text(s):
Lightbown, P. M., & Spada, N. (2021). How languages are learned. Oxford, UK: OUP.
Course Requirements include but are not limited to the following.
In order to succeed in this class, it is important to join the class on time, actively participate in class discussions, adhere
to the attendance policy, complete all written and non-written assignments on time, meet with the instructor for
consultation as necessary, and actively visit UBYS and/or Google classroom as a member of the course.

Course Evaluation Criteria and Requirements

Assignments/Participation 20% Mid-term 40% Final Exam 40%

Tentative Weekly Course Outline

Dates Topics Readings Suggested TED Talks Assignments
W1
Introduction to the Course
20.02
W2
27.02 Patricia Kuhl: The Linguistic Genius of
Babies
Language learning in Ch1 (Lightbown & Assignment 1:
Suzanne Talhouk: Don't Kill Your
early childhood Spada, 2021) Monologue based on a
W3 Language
topic of preference (5 min.
5.03 Deb Roy: The Birth of a Word
video submission to
Google Classroom)
W4 Lýdia Machová: The Secrets of Learning a
12.03 New Language
Second language Ch2 (Lightbown &
John McWhorter: 4 Reasons to Learn a New
W5 learning Spada, 2021)
Language
19.03
Benny Lewis: Fluent in 3 Months
Angela Lee Duckworth: The Key to
W6
Individual differences Success? Grit
26.03 Ch3 (Lightbown &
in second language Carol Dweck: The Power of Believing That
Spada, 2021)
W7 learning You Can Improve
2.04 Ken Robinson: How Schools Kill Creativity
W8
Ramadan Bayram
9.04
W9
Mid-term
16.04
W10 National Sovereignty and Children's Day
 23.04

W11
30.04 Steven Pinker: What Our Language Habits
Reveal
Explaining second Ch4 (Lightbown &
Laura Schulz: The Surprisingly Logical Assignment 2:
language learning Spada, 2021)
Minds of Babies Monologue based on a
W12
Anne Fernald: The Secrets of Baby Talk topic of preference (7 min.
7.05
video submission to
Google Classroom)

W13 Observing learning and Ken Robinson: How to Escape Education's

14.05 teaching in the second Ch5 (Lightbown & Death Valley
language classroom Spada, 2021) Rita Pierson: Every Kid Needs a Champion
W14 Sugata Mitra: Build a School in the Cloud
21.05
Christopher Emdin: Teach Teachers How to
Create Magic
Popular ideas about
W15 Ch7 (Lightbown & Angela Duckworth: Grit: The Power of
language learning
28.05 Spada, 2021) Passion and Perseverance
revisited
Simon Sinek: How Great Leaders Inspire
Action

About the monologue assignments:

Instructions:
For this assignment, you will prepare and deliver a 5-minute monologue on the topic of language learning in early childhood.
Drawing inspiration from the TED Talks and/or course references, you will explore and elaborate on various aspects of language
acquisition in young children and its significance in their cognitive development. Your monologue should reflect your
understanding of the key concepts discussed in the TED Talks/course references and may also include personal insights or
experiences related to the topic.
Criteria for Evaluation:
1. Content (20%):
- Clarity and depth of understanding of language learning in early childhood.
- Relevance and coherence of supporting examples or anecdotes.
2. Organization (20%):
- Clear and logical structure of the monologue, including introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Overall coherence and flow of the presentation.
3. Delivery (30%):
- Confidence and enthusiasm in delivery, engaging the audience throughout the monologue.
- Use of vocal variety, pacing, and intonation to enhance communication.
- Non-verbal communication, including eye contact, gestures, and body language.
4. Language Proficiency (30%):
- Accuracy and appropriateness of language use, including grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
- Awareness of audience and ability to adjust language register accordingly.

Note:
-You’re required to submit your monologues in the video format. In order to do so, you need to
Record your monologue using a video recording device such as a smartphone, webcam, or digital camera.
Ensure that the recording environment is well-lit and free from distractions to maintain focus on your presentation.
Position the camera at an appropriate angle to capture your face and upper body, allowing viewers to see your expressions
and gestures clearly.
Start the recording by introducing yourself and stating the topic of your monologue.
Deliver your monologue confidently and articulately, maintaining eye contact with the camera to establish a connection with
the audience.
End the recording with a brief summary or concluding remarks, thanking the audience for watching.
Review the recording to ensure audio and video quality, and make any necessary edits or adjustments before final submission
to Google Classroom.