LN4036: Second Language Learning & Teaching

LN4036: SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING & TEACHING (2026-2027)

Last modified: 14 Aug 2026 11:46

Course Overview

This course will introduce key learning theories and Second Language Acquisition (SLA) perspectives relevant to TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Students will critically examine behaviourist, cognitive and sociocultural approaches and reflect on how these shape their teaching beliefs and practices. The course will also explore core processes in second language learning, including vocabulary, morphosyntax, collocations, formulaic language, language functions and phonology. Students will apply theory to practice by designing evidence-based EFL activities informed by learner needs and by using English language corpora to support classroom task design.

Course Details

Study Type	Undergraduate	Level	4
Term	First Term	Credit Points	30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus	Aberdeen	Sustained Study	No
Co-ordinators	Dr Ishrat Rehman-Feltell

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)
Either English (EL) or Language And Linguistics (LN)
Either LN2008 Language in Society (Passed) or LN2515 Elements of English (Passed)
Either Programme Level 4 or Programme Level 5

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

LN3036 Second Language Learning & Teaching (Passed)

Are there a limited number of places available?

Course Description

This course introduces students to key concepts, hypotheses and models within learning theory and Second Language Acquisition (SLA), with a particular focus on their relevance to TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). It examines behaviourist, cognitive and sociocultural perspectives, encouraging students to analyse their assumptions about language learning and reflect on how these perspectives inform their teaching beliefs and philosophy. Students will critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of major learning theories and consider their applicability to contemporary English language teaching contexts. The course also explores core processes involved in second language acquisition, including the learning of vocabulary, morphosyntax, collocations, formulaic language, language functions and phonology. Alongside theoretical and research-based inquiry, students will engage in designing pedagogically sound EFL learning activities that address areas of difficulty experienced by learners from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Students will also be introduced to English language corpora and will use corpus data to inform and design evidence-based EFL classroom tasks.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers

Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 21st September 2026 for Term 1 and Full Year courses and 8th January 2027 for Term 2 courses.

Summative Assessments

Class Test - Multiple Choice Questions

Assessment Type	Summative	Weighting	30
Assessment Weeks	19	Feedback Weeks	20	Look up Week Numbers
Feedback	Multiple Choice Questions (50 minutes). Test results will be released automatically with feedback for correct and incorrect answers.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Level	Thinking Skill	Outcome
Conceptual	Analyse	Reflect analytically on the potential applications of second language learning theories within classroom contexts.
Conceptual	Evaluate	Critically evaluate theories of learning in relation to the acquisition of a second language.
Conceptual	Understand	Demonstrate a systematic understanding of processes involved in the acquisition of vocabulary, morphosyntax, collocations, formulaic language, language functions, and phonology.

Tutorial/Seminar Participation

Assessment Type	Summative	Weighting	20
Assessment Weeks		Feedback Weeks	19	Look up Week Numbers
Feedback	Students will be given their grade and feedback online through the MyAberdeen course area; they will be encouraged to discuss their performance with the Course Convener and/or tutor at a mutually convenient time.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Level	Thinking Skill	Outcome
Conceptual	Analyse	Reflect analytically on the potential applications of second language learning theories within classroom contexts.
Conceptual	Evaluate	Critically evaluate theories of learning in relation to the acquisition of a second language.
Conceptual	Understand	Demonstrate a systematic understanding of processes involved in the acquisition of vocabulary, morphosyntax, collocations, formulaic language, language functions, and phonology.
Procedural	Create	Interpret and use English language corpus data and linguistic theory to design pedagogically sound EFL activities that address specific areas of difficulty experienced by learners.

Report: Individual

Assessment Type	Summative	Weighting	50
Assessment Weeks	19	Feedback Weeks	21	Look up Week Numbers
Feedback	Projects will be submitted and assessed on MyAberdeen through the Turnitin platform; along with the grade, notes on performance and for improvement will also be attached. Students will be encouraged to discuss their performance with the Course Convener and/or tutor at a mutually convenient time.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Level	Thinking Skill	Outcome
Conceptual	Analyse	Reflect analytically on the potential applications of second language learning theories within classroom contexts.
Conceptual	Evaluate	Critically evaluate theories of learning in relation to the acquisition of a second language.
Conceptual	Understand	Demonstrate a systematic understanding of processes involved in the acquisition of vocabulary, morphosyntax, collocations, formulaic language, language functions, and phonology.
Procedural	Create	Interpret and use English language corpus data and linguistic theory to design pedagogically sound EFL activities that address specific areas of difficulty experienced by learners.

Formative Assessment

Class Test - Multiple Choice Questions

Assessment Type	Formative	Weighting
Assessment Weeks	13	Feedback Weeks	13	Look up Week Numbers
Feedback	On MyAberdeen — test results will be released automatically with feedback for correct and incorrect answers.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Level	Thinking Skill	Outcome
Conceptual	Analyse	Reflect analytically on the potential applications of second language learning theories within classroom contexts.
Conceptual	Evaluate	Critically evaluate theories of learning in relation to the acquisition of a second language.
Conceptual	Understand	Demonstrate a systematic understanding of processes involved in the acquisition of vocabulary, morphosyntax, collocations, formulaic language, language functions, and phonology.

Resit Assessments

Essay

Assessment Type	Summative	Weighting	100
Assessment Weeks		Feedback Weeks		Look up Week Numbers
Feedback	Feedback to be provided through Turnitin platform on MyAberdeen.	Word Count	3000

Learning Outcomes

Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on or with the Course Coordinator
Knowledge Level	Thinking Skill	Outcome

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Level	Thinking Skill	Outcome
Conceptual	Understand	Demonstrate a systematic understanding of processes involved in the acquisition of vocabulary, morphosyntax, collocations, formulaic language, language functions, and phonology.
Conceptual	Evaluate	Critically evaluate theories of learning in relation to the acquisition of a second language.
Conceptual	Analyse	Reflect analytically on the potential applications of second language learning theories within classroom contexts.
Procedural	Create	Interpret and use English language corpus data and linguistic theory to design pedagogically sound EFL activities that address specific areas of difficulty experienced by learners.

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