Socratic Seminar 2

Chapter 3. Principles of Instructed

Second Language Learning Rod
Ellis

Prepare by Hoa Nguyen and Nhung Truong

A Brief Overview of Chapter 3.

1. Experience
2. What is instructed second language
learning? (12 principles)
3. Future trends
4. Questions for discussion

12 principles
Instruction needs to ensure that learners
1. develop both a rich repertoire of formulaic
expressions and a rule-based competence.
2. focus predominantly on meaning (semantic &
pragmatic meaning)
3. also focus on form
Instruction needs
4. to be predominantly directed at developing implicit
knowledge (internalized) of the L2 while not neglecting
explicit knowledge.
5. to take into account the learners built-in syllabus.
6. Successful instructed language learning requires
extensive L2 input.

7. Successful instructed language learning requires

opportunities for output.
8. The opportunity to interact in the L2 is central to
developing L2 proficiency.
9. Instruction needs to take into account individual
differences in learners.
10. In assessing learners L2 proficiency, it is important to
examine free as well as controlled production.
11. Learners need to engage collaboratively in talk about
linguistic problems and try to agree on solutions to them.
12. Instruction needs to take in account the subjective aspect
to learning a new language.

Choose the best answer to complete each of the following

conversation.
1. Mary: Thanks a lot for help.
John:
A. My happiness
B. My excitement
C. My delight
D.
My pleasure
2. Mary: I will never go mountaineering again.
Linda: Me, .
B. so
B. too
C. neither
D. either
3. Thanh: Lan is the best singer in my school.
Nadia ..
C. Yes, tell me about it
B. I cant agree with you
more
C. Thats OK
D. Yes, please

Questions for discussion

Principle 1 - page 33

Instruction needs to ensure that learners develop both

a rich repertoire of formulaic expressions and a rulebased competence.

Is it important for our students to learn

formulaic expressions?
To what extend do the English
textbooks used in our high school
cover this area?
What should be done about this fact?

Questions for discussion

( Principle 4 - page 35)
Instruction needs to be predominantly directed at
developing implicit knowledge of the L2 while not
neglecting explicit knowledge.
The
official
English
textbook

The
trial
English
textboo
k

1. Do
Gettiyou
1. Read
like this change? Why?
ng
ing,
(Consider
3 approaches: Zero grammar, PPP
starte
Liste
d Consciousness-raising
ning,
and
task )
2. Pronu
nciati

Spea
king,

Questions for discussion

Principle 8 - page 39

Our students, who take part in the

national exam for excellent students,
have limited opportunities to interact
using L2.
What can you do to provide them with
more opportunities to interact in L2 to
develop their speaking proficiency?

Questions for discussion

( Principle 9 - page 40)

What can you do to motivate hidden

students in your class?

Questions for discussion

What do you do to create a pleasant
and relaxed atmosphere in class?

Follow up question
Teaching formulaic expressions
Select at least 10 formulaic
expressions that you hadnt known
before you came to the U.S and
design activities (Quizlet, MCQ test,
ect) to teach those in your class.

Teaching formulaic expressions

Focus on functions and pragmatic purposes of the language
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Greetings, Good-byes, Invitations;

Gratitude, Compliments, Congratulations;
Requests, Commands, Apologies, Condolences;
Offers, Seeking Permission;
Advice, Warnings, Directions;
Expressing your opinion (Pleasure, Displeasure, Agreement and
Disagreement, Encouragement)

References
http://www.slideshare.net/cupidlucid/instructed-language-learning-presentation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoweahsAcbk