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Aptitude-treatment interaction in second language learning
Edited by Robert M. DeKeyser
[Journal of Second Language Studies 2:2] 2019
► pp. 197–232

The interaction between timing of explicit grammar explanation and individual differences in second language acquisition

 | Independent Researcher, Skopje, North Macedonia
 | University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
Despite numerous positive findings of explicit instruction, this topic continues to engage scholars worldwide. One issue that may be crucial for the effectiveness of explicit instruction is the interaction between cognitive individual differences (language aptitude and working memory) and types of instruction. In this experiment, 128 learners of Spanish were randomly assigned to four experimental treatments and completed comprehension-based practice for interpreting object-verb and ser/estar sentences in Spanish. Results revealed that the various combinations of rules and practice posed differential task demands on the learners and consequently drew on language aptitude and working memory to a different extent. We argue that not only are rules and practice both necessary, but that their suitable integration ameliorates task demands, reducing the burden on the learner, and accordingly mitigates the role of participants’ individual differences, thus making a substantial difference for the learning of second language grammar.
Keywords: language aptitude, working memory, ATI, explicit instruction, individual differences, declarative knowledge, procedural knowledge, skill acquisition theory
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Background literature and theoretical motivation
    • 2.1Language learning aptitude in the narrow sense
    • 2.2Working memory
    • 2.3Skill Acquisition Theory
  • 3.The present study
    • 3.1Method
      • 3.1.1Participants
      • 3.1.2Linguistic targets: OV structure and Ser/ Estar
      • 3.1.3Research design
      • 3.1.4Materials
      • 3.1.5Treatment
    • 3.2Instruments
      • 3.2.1Comprehension tests
      • 3.2.2Production test
      • 3.2.3LLAMA F
      • 3.2.4OSPAN
    • 3.3Procedure
    • 3.4Data analysis (Tables in Appendix)
  • 4.Results
    • 4.1OV
      • 4.1.1Comprehension
      • 4.1.2Production
      • 4.1.3GJT
    • 4.2SER
      • 4.2.1Comprehension
      • 4.2.2Production
      • 4.2.3GJT
    • 4.3Summary of results
    • 4.4Simple linear regression models following significant correlations between IDs and outcome measures
  • 5.Discussion and conclusions
  • 6.Limitations and future directions
  • 7.Conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 8 October 2019
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/jsls.19003.kac
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