🌟 UNIT 3 – Factors in Second Language Acquisition

 Second language acquisition (SLA) is influenced by a wide range of factors. These can be internal, such as age and motivation, or external, like the learning context and exposure to the language. Understanding these elements helps teachers adapt instruction and support learners more effectively.

UNIT 3.1 Internal Factors

Key elements:

• Age: Younger learners may acquire pronunciation more easily, while older learners often grasp grammar faster.
• Aptitude: Natural ability to learn languages varies among individuals.
• Motivation: Intrinsic (personal interest) or extrinsic (grades, career) motivation drives effort.
• Attitudes: Positive attitudes toward the language and culture enhance learning.
• Learning styles: Visual, auditory, kinesthetic preferences affect howlearners absorb information.
• 

https://www.learningstylequiz.com/ 

UNIT 3.2 External Factors

Key elements:

• Learning context: Formal (classroom) vs. informal (daily life) settings.
• Instruction quality: Clear explanations, scaffolding, and feedback matter.
• Input: Rich, meaningful exposure to the target language.
• Opportunities for communication: Real-life practice boosts fluency.

📹Tips to incrase your immersion in a new language https://youtu.be/I9OF4p9_O0o?si=8NXG2yFXWR54NKQ9 

Think about your learning environment. What helped you the most? What could have been improved?

Please comment below.

UNIT  3.3 Individual Differences

Key elements:

• Personality: Extroverts may speak more; introverts may focus on accuracy.
• Emotions: Anxiety can block learning; confidence enhances it.
• Strategies: Learners use memory, cognitive, and social strategies.
• Cognitive styles: Analytical vs. holistic processing affects comprehension.

📊 Interactive idea: https://es.educaplay.com/recursos-educativos/26784469-word_search_sla_individual_differences.html 

 

UNIT 3.4 Interlanguage and Error Analysis

Key concepts:

• Interlanguage (Selinker): A transitional linguistic system created by learners.
• Errors: Not just mistakes — they show progress and hypotheses about the language.
• Error analysis: Helps teachers understand learner thinking and adjust instruction. 

📝 Activity idea: https://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/structures/error_text_letter.htm 

🤔How can analyzing errors help teachers support second language learners more effectively? 

Please comment below.