- Introduction (.5 – 1 page)
The introduction of your paper should give an overview of your personal language acquisition journey. This can be in the form of a narrative. Use the following- What is your first language?
- Do you have any other heritage languages in your family?
- Brief description of the language communities you have encountered informally
- Brief description of any attempt at joining those language communities.
- Brief descriptions of any instructed language learning you have encountered.
- Overview of Language Acquisition Models/Frameworks (2 pages)
In this part of your paper, you will analyze language acquisition models and/or frameworks that are most relevant to your personal language acquisition journey. This section should have a balance of the language acquisition framework analysis and personal application. Remember that an analysis is a step beyond a description. You will first describe the language acquisition models/frameworks, then analyze how the models/frameworks are applicable to your personal language acquisition journey. - Social Contexts of language acquisition (2 pages)
In this part of your paper, you will analyze the social contexts of language acquisition that are most relevant to your personal language acquisition journey. This section should have a balance of the context analysis and personal application. Again, remember that an analysis is a step beyond a description. You will first describe the language acquisition social context, then analyze how the context applicable to your personal language acquisition journey. - Individual Differences of language acquisition (2 pages)
In this part of your paper, you will analyze the individual differences involved in language acquisition that are most relevant to your personal language acquisition journey. This section should have a balance of the individual differences analysis and personal application. Again, remember that an analysis is a step beyond a description. You will first describe the language acquisition individual differences, then analyze how the difference applicable to your personal language acquisition journey. - Instructed language acquisition (2 pages)
In this part of your paper, you will the factors involved in language learning and teaching that are most relevant to your personal language acquisition journey. This section should have a balance of the instructed language learning analysis and personal application. Again, remember that an analysis is a step beyond a description. You will first describe the instructed language acquisition factor, then analyze how the factors are applicable to your personal language acquisition journey. - Conclusion (.5 – 1 page)
The conclusion should summarize your new perspective on your language acquisition journey It should include a summary of your introduction and a discussion of how you will use this information in your future, whether you are in a classroom or an office.
Your final paper will be a total of 9-10 pages (not counting cover page and references). Your paper should be APA format, size 12, Times New Roman font.
There are several elements in a well-written paper. Ask yourself these six questions to see if your paper is well-rounded:
- How’s my introduction? Does it introduce the topic adequately?
- Have I shown that I have concrete experience in the topics being discussed? (Narratives make research more engaging, but be careful that the bulk of the paper isn’t narrative.)
- Have I reflected adequately on my concrete experience?
- Have I incorporated (and cited) third persons into my paper (books, lecture, other sources)?
- Have I shown that I can apply what I’ve learned to a new situation? (In this case, your future classroom.)
- How’s my conclusion? Have I effectively closed the topic?
