Essential Terminology for Language Acquisition and Classroom Technology

Information and Communication Technology (ICT/IT)

Information and Communication Technology (ICT/IT) involves using computers to enable learners to improve information-processing skills and explore ideas. Examples include using Skype, surfing the internet, and solving problems.

Input and Output in Learning

• Input: All the material learners are exposed to. This is the knowledge someone acquires from outside by understanding it meaningfully.
• Output: What learners are able to produce using the acquired language or skills.

Input Hypothesis and Comprehensible Input

According to Stephen Krashen, we only acquire a language if we understand the input. The input cannot be beyond our current level of understanding (i+1).

This hypothesis was later modified: apart from comprehensible input, successful acquisition also requires the right environment, favorable circumstances, motivation, and freedom from stress. This hypothesis fundamentally claims that language acquisition occurs only when the input is understood.

Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) Definition

An Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) is a special surface where the computer screen is displayed using a projector, allowing for interactive engagement and manipulation of digital content.

Interlanguage: Second Language Acquisition

Interlanguage occurs when someone is learning a new language but has not yet achieved full proficiency. In the process of acquiring the second language, learners often apply rules from their native language (L1), leading to transitional linguistic systems.

L1, L2, and L3: Language Classifications

• L1: The mother tongue, the first language, or native language. The person has spoken this language from earliest childhood.
• L2: The second language, the target language, or the language that is not the mother tongue.
• L3: The third language, which is neither the mother tongue nor the first target language.

Understanding Individual Learning Styles

A Learning Style is the specific way that an individual learner uses or prefers to process and retain information.

• Auditory Learner: They remember things more easily when they hear them spoken.
• Kinesthetic Learner: They learn easily by doing things physically, often requiring movement or hands-on activities while learning.
• Visual Learner: They learn easily when they see things that are written down or presented in pictures, diagrams, or charts.

Monitor and Self-Monitoring in Education

• Monitor (Teacher Role): To observe learners to ensure they are completing assigned tasks and provide assistance if needed.
• Self-Monitor (Learner Role): To listen to or read the language you use to check for accuracy and effectiveness, allowing for self-correction.

Realia: Using Real Objects in the Classroom

Realia refers to real objects (e.g., clothes, menus, timetables) that are brought into the classroom for a specific pedagogical purpose, making lessons more authentic and engaging.

Scaffolding: Supporting Student Learning

Scaffolding is an instructional technique originally used to refer to teacher support (often through talk) that assists students in carrying out activities and solving problems. It involves simplifying tasks by breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps. This technique progressively moves students toward stronger, independent understanding.