Acquisition of language is a subconscious process The

Acquisition of language is a subconscious process. The individual is unaware of the process. Acquisition requires meaningful interaction in the target language. Here the acquirer is focussed on meaning rather than form.

Learning • Learning is a conscious process • Language forms are represented consciously in the learners mind. • Language elements are taught directly. • Language learning involves formal instructions • According to Stephen Krashen it is less effective than acquisition

Stephen Krashen

Second Language • Second language refers to any language learned in addition to a person’s first language. A person's second language or L 2, is a language that is not the native language of the speaker, but that is used in the locale of that person.

Stages of SLA (second language acquisition) by Krashen • Stage I : The silent/Receptive or preproduction stage This stage approximately lasts from 10 hours to six months. this stage often involves a ‘silent period’ during which students may not speak. During this stage teachers should not force students to speak until they are ready to do so.

Stages of SLA (second language acquisition) by Krashen • Stage II : The Early Production stage can last an additional 6 months after the initial stage. During this stage students can usually speak in one or two word phrases, and can demonstrate comprehension of two material by giving short answers to simple yes/no , either/or, or who/ what/ where questions.

Stages of SLA (second language acquisition) by Krashen • Stage III : The Speech Emergence Stage: This stage can last upto another year. Students begin to use dialogue and can ask simple questions, such as “Can I go to the toilet? ” and are able to answer simple questions. Students may produce longer sentences, but often wiith grammatical errors that can interfere with their communnication.

Stages of SLA (second language acquisition) by Krashen • Stage IV : The intermediate language proficiency stage: Intermediate proficiency may take up to another year after speech emergence. Students have typically developed close to 6000 words and are beginning to make complex statements , state opinions, ask for clarification, share their thoughts, and speak at greater length.

Stages of SLA (second language acquisition) by Krashen • Stage V : The Advanced Language Proficiency Stage: Gaining advanced proficiency in a second language can typically take from five to seven years. By this stage students have developed some specialised content area vocabulary and can participate fully in gradelevel classroom activities if given occasional extra support

Classroom activities to promote SLA • Ask yes/no and either/ or questions • Make use of visual clues. • Give students the opportunity to participate in some of the whole class activities. • Use pictures and realia to support questions. • Provide frequent activities to speak. • Build vocabulary using pictures. • Provide listening activities like listening to stories, rhymes, simple instructions etc. • Simply the content material to be used. Focus on key vocabulary and concepts. • Support learning with graphic organisers, charts and graphs. Begin to foster writing in English through labelling and short sentences.

Strategy • How does the teacher use simple language supported by visual materials? • How teacher involves learners in classroom activities? • How teacher narrates simple stories? • What are the techniques /strategies used by teachers to promote SLA? • Are the learning experiences interesting/challanging/providing scope for involvement and interaction? • In what ways are learners responding? Are they using English /Mothertongue/gestures or remain silent? • What other observations do you have?