Introduction

In this course, Learning a second language, we will consider how students learn how to make meaning through learning additional languages which could be second, third or even fourth languages; we will refer to first language or mother tongue as L1 and second or other languages as L2. In particular, this course explores how the concept of scaffolding, as conceptualized and used within the broad sociocultural linguistic approach, can be applied to learning a second or additional language. Of course, in many contexts, children and adults develop more than one language as a natural part of their social or work lives (e.g. if part of a bi- or multilingual family or if part of a multilingual society or workplace). However, in this course, we are narrowing the focus of L2 learning situations to formal educational contexts as opposed to the informal language and learning contexts you may have encountered before. We have assumed that course participants are teachers, that is, educators of any type. You may be a teacher at primary, secondary or tertiary level, or perhaps you work with adults or in a workplace. You may teach English to speakers of other languages, or you may teach another area but are interested in how meaning is conveyed through language. Perhaps you are a parent or childcarer and you interact with a child regularly.

Course learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

• Understand more fully the differences between learning a first language and learning a second language
• Apply the concept of scaffolding to a teaching and learning context.