As a result of the course, the student acquires knowledge of the main learning enhancements of instructed SLA concerning input, output, and feedback. Specifically, the student can discuss timing and paths of interlanguage (or: learner's variety) development, as well as critically present the main individual variables in SLA. He/she understands the value of input and its main factors, distinguishing between input enhancement for comprehension vs. acquisition. He/she can recognize FonF vs FonFS vs FonM contexts based on their main variables, as well as PPP vs TBLT practices with their respective weak and strong points. He/she can critically analyze the main feedback types in oral and written activities. He/she can critically reconstruct the main phases in the historical development of L2 acquisition theories concerning input manipulation, output requirements, and feedback handling. This knowledge is fundamental for a critical understanding of language teaching methodologies both as students of foreign languages and as future/potential language teachers.
Knowledge of the basic tenets of Linguistics presented in courses of General Linguistics/ Foundations of Linguistics.
The Course and the exam are held in Italian.
Special attention will be given to discussions and activities with and among the participants. Complementary inputs and activities could be provided via Moodle and other ICTs.
The course is completed through an oral exam. A positive evaluation ranges from 18/30 to 30 (evt. "cum laude")/30.
The evaluation criteria encompass: accuracy in concepts and terminology; extension and depth of proficiency of concepts and of conceptual links; implications for language learning and teaching.
A written test will be offered to students attending the course, at the end of the course itself. The evaluation criteria will be as above mentioned.
After a presentation of the timing and paths of spontaneous language learning, which constitute the basis and the limits of "teachability", the course will analyze the main tools for enhancing instructed language, i.e. the different types of inputmanipulations, output modulation, and feedback handling available and recommended by the main current studies.
Should the course be provided via blended or distance education, the course syllabus and exams may bemodified to meet the circumstances.
The course and the exam are held in Italian.
