Dominique Scheffel-Dunand, dsdunand@yorku.ca

This course focusing on models of second language acquisition will allow students to explore the concept of language acquisition in a global context, and to observe how language teaching/learning and communication practices on the topic evolve to adapt to global cultural, political and social environments and networks.

In this course students are introduced to theoretical and applied research in second language acquisition to describe how language teaching/learning is anchored in national and supra-national educational policies that influence Language educational programming at a local, national or more global level. Research and pedagogical questions are explored with a set of comparative methodologies to conduct analysis on discourse embedded in various political, social and cultural contexts as well as teaching and learning environments. In this class students are guided in their explorations of analysis of a) discourse of educators and learners in classroom settings; b) local, national and supra national dialogues on educational policies relating to language teaching and learning; and c) pedagogical material provided by collaborative work and pedagogical experimentation on language acquisition by

international teams.

In this course, students are guided to develop competencies and skills in Research and Comparative Analysis on topics such as:

• Second language acquisition (analysis of theoretical frameworks and textbooks to frame research questions on (i) second/foreign language teaching & learning), (ii) Interculturality in language acquisition from a Canadian and European perspectives, (iii); plurilinguism in language learning;
• Ethnographical work (observation and description of various interactions involving second language learners and second language instructors in class settings or online in France and Canada);
• Critical comparative analysis (analysis of scientific papers, reports, textbooks, pedagogical resources, Knowledge products in the field of second language teaching/learning). Documents for analysis and share with partner institution (INSPÉ, Aix-Marseille) will be available on a Google drive (https://drive.google.com/drive/my-drive) or in the Camerise repertory (https://camerisefsl.ca/)

Prerequisite course: AP/FR 2100 6.0

Required readings provided in eClass

2 critical analyses of readings (scientific papers, studies or reports): 20%

Testing of a learning activity: 30%

Co-design of a learning activity (with a team in France): 50%

1. Second Language Instruction
   Students will develop:

• Ability to use, compare and evaluate current frameworks and methodologies in second language instruction (Bilingualism/Plurilingualism in Canada and CEFR in Europe)
• Ability to critique curriculum planning, program evaluations, teaching/learning activities, teaching/learning resources;
• Ability and experience the challenges teachers of French learners encounter in France, Europe and Canada.

1. Critical Thinking and Research in Language Acquisition, Teaching/Learning, 21st century transformational pedagogies

Students will develop:

• Ability to understand and evaluate current research methodologies and how they are applied to investigate curriculum policy, curriculum implementation in curricular and extracurricular learning activities.
• Ability to engage in academic scholarship that is designed to critically explore the different subfields in second language acquisition and second language teaching/learning.
• Ability to question and challenge their current knowledges with regard to issues
  second language acquisition through collaborative problem-based projects.

1. General issues and Applications
   Students will:

• Develop professionally through appropriate activities of application and research.
• Understand career opportunities in FSL/FLE education, education policies and curriculum planning.
• Apply models of second language acquisition in community settings.
• Develop proficiency in French.