English - Free topic A: Exploring Foreign Language Acquisition: Connecting Theories with Practices (FLA)

In this course, we will explore current language acquisition theories and approaches to teaching English as a foreign language. Our guiding questions for this course are 'How are languages learned?' and 'How can educators facilitate language learning?'. Drawing on recent research literature, we will critically assess the effectiveness of language teaching approaches within increasingly culturally and linguistically diverse educational contexts. We will discuss language acquisition from a first, foreign, and second language acquisition (SLA) perspective, including theories and research on multilingualism. We will further link SLA theories to current and emerging pedagogical approaches to language learning. Throughout the course, we will draw on current SLA and education research to better understand intra- and extra-linguistic factors affecting language acquisition. In this context, we will be exploring the impact of individual differences on language learning processes and how educators can differentiate their teaching to support their students' needs. Beyond second language acquisition theories and teaching approaches, the course aims to develop an understanding of common research methods in second language acquisition research and education.