TKT Module 1 Revision: The difference (and similarities) between L1 and L2 learning

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The difference (and similarities) between L1 and L2 learning

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Explain innateness with reference to language learning.	Innateness refers to the theory that all humans are born with a genetical ability to learn language.
Explain and give an example of the U-shaped learning curve.	The U-shaped learning curve refers to the fact that children (and older language learners) will acquire the correct form and then, applying a newly-learned rule, will start using the wrong form before going back to the correct form. For example: A child may learn to use 'sheep' as a plural noun in, e.g.: The sheep are eating in the field and then, having learned how to use plural forms begin to say The sheeps are in the field before going back to the correct form. A learner of English may learn a chunk of language such as: Would you like to ... ? and then, having learned about verb structures after 'like', may begin to say: Would you like going tonight? before reverting to the correct form.
Explain with an example the term 'imitation' in language learning theory.	The theory is that children learn their first language by imitating what they hear. This is sometimes extended to second language learning because some people believe the processes are very similar if not the same. A child brought up in an Arabic-speaking culture, regardless of its place of birth, will learn Arabic as its first language. Some people believe that in a language classroom, learners should imitate the teacher's production.
What is reinforcement? Give an example.	Reinforcement is a concept in behaviourist theory which refers to the response to what someone says of does. If the response is positive, the action will be reinforced (made stronger). If response is negative, the behaviour will not be repeated. For example, if a learner says: I go yesterday and the teacher frowns or ignores it, the habit will not be reinforced but if the learner says I went yesterday and the teacher shouts "Terrific! Well done!" then the habit if using 'went' for the past tense will be reinforced.
What is 'active construction of grammar' theory? What sort of theory is it?	This refers to the theory that learners of any language will always try to form hypotheses and theories about how the language is structured and they will refine and change their theories in response to what they hear or read. It is a cognitive theory of learning.

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the Module 1 revision index	grammar	lexis
phonology	functions	receptive skills
productive skills	motivation	exposure to language and focus on form
the role of error	differences between L1 and L2 learning	learner characteristics
learner needs	presentation techniques and introductory activities	types of activities and tasks
assessment types and tasks