Believes everyone acquires
language the same way
We only acquire language
when we understand the
message
2 Lessons used as examples
Lesson 1: Began
speaking in German
and then expect
audience (students)
to repeat language.
This proves that
language is not best
acquired through
repetition, volume of
voice, putting it on a
screen, or copying the
words.
Lesson 2: Speaks
German but provides
visual examples of
words being spoken.
This makes it easier to
understand what is
being said even though
you may not know
German.
In this theory talking is not practicing, which is what most
people believe is the best way to acquire a new language. The
best application of this theory within the classroom is to
provide appropriate opportunities for children to develop their
ability to produce and experience the new language.
Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills
Dr. Jim Cummins
Native speakers who are
fluent and can
communicate using their
primary or native language.
Education is used to expand
the skilled use of language
through communication
These linguistics
skills are
learned fairly
quickly and
simply through
social
experiences with
native speakers.
In the classroom
teachers can create
an environment that
encourages students
to interact with each
other. As a result of
these interactions,
they will be
developing BICS.
Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency
A second language
learner's ability to
interpret and produce
complex text
Takes about 5 years
for a student or
adult to become
proficient at this
level
To promote linguistic development
for students who are acquiring a
new language it is important to get
them engaged in reading and
writing. This will help them expand
their vocabulary as well as their
overall cognitive development of the
new language
Discrete Language Skills
Focus on literacy
skills such as
phonics, letters,
grammar, spelling,
and conventions
(basically the rules
we follow when
speaking)
The majority of these
language skills are
acquired through the
teaching of these skills
in the classroom.
Universal Grammar
Noam Chomsky
All human languages
have grammar rules,
nouns, ways to make
things plural, past and
present, and other fixed
structural principles. This
is because all humans
have a mind that is
meant to experience
language in this manner.
Teachers should not
treat children who are
learning a second
language as though they
are incapable of
learning the rules and
structure of a new
language. All children
have the a basic
grammatical knowledge
of language; it just may
not be in the preferred
language.