LG513-7-AU-CO:
Individual Differences in L2 Learning
2024/25
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 13 December 2024
15
29 May 2024
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
MA Q11012 Applied Linguistics,
MA Q110JS Applied Linguistics,
MA Q15012 Psycholinguistics,
MPHDQ15048 Psycholinguistics,
PHD Q15048 Psycholinguistics
This module focuses on selected psychological factors – so-called individual differences – that interact with the processes and outcomes of second (L2) or additional language learning. You will become familiar with concepts such as language learning aptitude, working memory, cognitive and learning style, language learning strategies and metacognition. We will discuss the definitions and measurement of these factors, their relationship with each other and with language learning achievement, and their practical relevance in the L2 classroom.
Drawing on examples from recent research, we will consider how individual differences can be investigated empirically, with specific emphasis on the use of behavioural measures (tests) and self-report measures (questionnaires and interviews). You will have the opportunity to experience various measures in practice, both through in-class exercises and the assignments you will complete for this module.
The aims of this module are:
- To provide students with an overivew of concepts such as language learning aptitude, working memory, cognitive and learning style, language learning strategies and metacognition.
- Drawing on recent research, to provide students with the opportunity to consider how individual differences can be investigated empirically, with specific emphasis on the use of questionnaires and interviews.
- To provide students with the opportunity to experience various measures in practice.
By the end of the module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of a range of cognitive variables that are relevant in the field of L2 learning.
- Demonstrate critical insight into how the theoretical definitions and the empirical measurement of these variables have changed over time.
- Demonstrate a systematic understanding of how to prepare the use of tests, questionnaires and interviews.
- Demonstrate hands-on experience with data collection, in preparation for the MA project work conducted later in the year.
This module will be delivered via:
- One 2-hour class each week for 10 weeks. Approximately one hour will be taught as a lecture and the other hour as a seminar.
Lectures provide an overview of key theoretical insights, empirical research findings, and methodological issues; seminars are based on student-centred tasks such as follow-up exercises and discussion of issues brought up in the lectures and associated module readings. Discussion and questions are encouraged throughout.
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Li, S., Hiver, P. and Papi, M. (eds) (2022)
Routledge Handbook of Second Language Acquisition and Individual Differences. Taylor & Francis Group. Available at:
https://doi-org.uniessexlib.idm.oclc.org/10.4324/9781003270546.
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Zoltán Dörnyei and Stephen Ryan (2015)
The psychology of the language learner revisited. New York, NY: Routledge. Available at:
http://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/e/9781315779553.
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Carol Griffiths (2008)
Lessons from good language learners. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511497667.
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Dörnyei, Z. (2005)
The psychology of the language learner: individual differences in second language acquisition. Mahwah, N.J.: L. Erlbaum Associates. Available at:
https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=158555.
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Winke, P.M. and Brunfaut, T. (eds) (2021)
The Routledge handbook of second language acquisition and language testing. New York: Routledge. Available at:
https://doi-org.uniessexlib.idm.oclc.org/10.4324/9781351034784.
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Louis Cohen, Lawrence Manion, and Keith Morrison (2018)
Research methods in education. Eighth edition. London: Routledge. Available at:
https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=1614634.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Assignment 1 |
11/11/2024 |
30% |
| Coursework |
Assignment 2 |
03/01/2025 |
70% |
Additional coursework information
N/A
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Karen Roehr-Brackin, email: kroehr@essex.ac.uk.
Karen Roehr-Brackin
4.334; kroehr@essex.ac.uk
No
No
Yes
Dr Vivienne Esther Rogers
Dr Sal Consoli
Available via Moodle
Of 14 hours, 14 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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