Introduction


                                                          

Introduction


This assessment task encourages you to explore the links between language learning experiences and second language learning theories. You will investigate a current second language learning issue. You can choose or construct a second language learning scenario and then provide a nuanced analysis of the scenario in relation to one or more current second language learning perspectives outlined in Module III of the Study Guide.  You will need to consider the following in your analysis.

1. Conduct a literature review of a current second language learning issue you find pivotal to the scenario, such as the interplay between identities and second language learning.

2. Construct an ELT scenario drawing upon your own practices, the literature, or the samples provided in the Study Guide.

3. Unpack the scenario in relation to your second language learning literature review.

4. Identify two or more problems or concerns arising from the scenario and then provide some constructive practice or learning strategies.



In this assignment I will be examining the complexities facing students and teachers in the area of language learning. The pedagogy of multiliteracies, critical literacy, and the issue of identity raised during the language learning experience, for both the learner and teacher, will be addressed. The interplay between identities and language learning and the problems that arise during a language learning scenario will be viewed and constructive practice and learning strategies provided.



The Scenario


The scenario for the assignment is based on the learning environment that my interviewee Marcela from my first assignment participated in. Marcela was born in Slovakia in the 1970s and after completing university, decided to go to England to attend an intensive English Language School, to improve her English, in particular her spoken English. She realised that she could increase her opportunity of acquiring a job by improving her spoken English, where English was increasingly needed in the workplace. Her scenario occurred in the early 1990s, however the context of my scenario for this assignment, will be in current times in 2023. 

The members of the learning group in my scenario include adults from a variety of countries where English is studied as a second language including Slovakia, Italy, Brazil, China, The Philippines and Greece. The learners are a mixture of male and female young adults ranging in age from 18 to 30. Most of the students have enough finance to attend this course and are very motivated to improve their English, to access better employment opportunities. There is however, one female student from a poorer family from rural Uganda, who has worked and studied hard to finance the English Language school. She has had less opportunity than the other students to access technology and is less proficient in English speaking and writing. The teachers are young, aged 24 to 35 and are native English speakers. The course is a six month English language course and the learners live mainly in home-stay accommodation with locals.




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