Wikipedia:Wiki Ed/Carleton University/Second Language Acquisition (Fall 2020)

This course examines issues in second language acquisition (SLA). It focuses on the theoretical concepts, empirical research and practical implications for language teaching. Topics covered in the course include: processes and stages of development involved in learning a second or additional language; theories of language learning (L1 and L2); teaching methods; individual differences in SLA (age, aptitude, motivation, etc.); interlanguage development; and the effects of instruction on SLA. This course is required for students completing their accreditation as L2 teachers. I would like to use Wikipedia for an assignment that has the students research some of the most accomplished SLA scholars and journals that publish research that teachers can use in their practice. I believe that knowing who the key researchers are in the field and being able to recognize/utilize the journals that publish SLA studies are paramount for effective and engaged language teachers. Involving teachers-in-training at the start of their careers/training in researching and then sharing information about key resources (people and sources) that can positively affect both their in-service and novice peers is a sure recipe for engaged and committed practitioners that not only help their learners meet their L2 objectives, but also ensures that the field of SLA grows and prospers as a result.

Week 1
Welcome to your Wikipedia assignment's course timeline. This page guides you through the steps you'll need to complete for your Wikipedia assignment, with links to training modules and your classmates' work spaces.

Your course has been assigned a Wikipedia Expert. You can reach them through the Get Help button at the top of this page.

Resources:


 * Editing Wikipedia, pages 1–5
 * Evaluating Wikipedia

Create an account and join this course page, using the enrollment link your instructor sent you. (Because of Wikipedia's technical restraints, you may receive a message that you cannot create an account. To resolve this, please try again off campus or the next day.)

This week, everyone should have a Wikipedia account.

Week 3
Resource: Editing Wikipedia, page 6

Week 5
Resource: Editing Wikipedia, pages 7–9

Linguistics

Everyone has begun writing their article drafts.

Week 7
Guiding framework

Week 8
You probably have some feedback from other students and possibly other Wikipedians. Consider their suggestions, decide whether it makes your work more accurate and complete, and edit your draft to make those changes.

Resources:


 * Editing Wikipedia, pages 12 and 14
 * Reach out to your Wikipedia Expert if you have any questions.

Week 9
Now that you've improved your draft based on others' feedback, it's time to move your work live - to the &quot;mainspace.&quot;

Resource: Editing Wikipedia, page 13

Week 10
Now's the time to revisit your text and refine your work. You may do more research and find missing information; rewrite the lead section to represent all major points; reorganize the text to communicate the information better; or add images and other media.

Continue to expand and improve your work, and format your article to match Wikipedia's tone and standards. Remember to contact your Wikipedia Expert at any time if you need further help!

Week 11
It's the final week to develop your article.


 * Read Editing Wikipedia page 15 to review a final check-list before completing your assignment.
 * Don't forget that you can ask for help from your Wikipedia Expert at any time!

Week 12
Everyone should have finished all of the work they'll do on Wikipedia, and be ready for grading.