Helping English Language Learners Orientation for Teachers
Language Acquisition Theory- Acquisition vs. Learning, Stephen Krashen & Tracy Terrell
Acquisition
-Subconscious
-Similar to first language development
-Focus is on needs and interest of students
-All attempts at communication are praised and reinforced; errors are accepted as developmental -Involves student-centered
Situational activities
Learning
-Conscious
-Knowing about language
-Focus is on grammar
-Corrections of errors Involves drills and grammar exercises
Implications for Classroom Teaching: Teachers should devote most class time to acquisition activities. Learning activities
should play a smaller role in the classroom, and can also be done as homework.
Language Acquisition- All children learn or acquire their first language (the language they speak at home) and their
second language (English). There is a difference between “learning” language and “acquisition” of language. The term
“acquisition” is used to emphasize the natural processes and ways that a child acquires a language. The term “learning” can
be used generally or to emphasize “formal learning” of a language such as in a grammar class.
(Enhancing English Language Learning in Elementary Classroom)
Teachers
Teachers
