SLA, New Technologies and EAP (4): Interactionist model

In this post we'll be looking at applying SLA models to evaluating new technologies.





A Useful Model of SLA (Chapelle 1998)
Below Chapelle’s diagram (Click on image to view) sets out what she terms a ‘useful’ model of SLA - the basic components in the SLA process in interactionist research:






This model is based, and very much expands on, Krashen’s theory of comprehensible input.This model attempts to explain what makes input comprehensible and to explain how this input becomes output. As Chapelle claims, this model is a consensus (and simplified) interactionist theory of SLA.

At this point, you should turn your attention to Chapelle’s article (Chapelle (1998) Multimedia CALL: Lessons to be learned from research on instructed SLA. Language Learning and Technology, 2(1), 22-34) which is freely available at: http://llt.msu.edu/vol2num1/article1/
If you don’t read this article then the diagram above will not make much sense!


A theory of SLA applied to CALL


You should now be familiar with the interactionist model. Below are the recommendations for developing CALL materials:

1. The linguistic characteristics of target language input need to be made salient.
2. Learners should receive help in comprehending semantic and syntactic aspects of linguistic input.
3. Learners need to have opportunities to produce target language output.
4. Learners need to notice errors in their own output.
5. Learners need to correct their linguistic output.
6. Learners need to engage in target language interaction whose structure can be modified for negotiation of meaning.
7. Learners should engage in L2 tasks designed to maximize opportunities for good interaction.

Go to the VSAC and select a few sites. Based on the advice above – evaluate the extent to which these sites provide opportunities for 1-7.