Anaheim University Dean of the Graduate School of Education Dr. David Nunan gives the third joint TESOL Seminar at Seoul National University in Korea, speaking on "Culture and Identity in…
Language learning and age
By Mahsa mohammadi kia, Iran,M A degree in linguistic
Introduction:
There are many views about the relationships between language learning and abilities and inabilities of language learners of different ages. Do children necessarily learn quicker than adults?
The “critical period” hypothesis that was put forward in the 1960’s, was based on then- current theories of brain development, and argued that the brain lost “cerebral plasticity” after puberty, making second language acquisition more difficult as an adult than as a child.(Lenneberg, 1967)
On the other hand, studies on aging have demonstrated that learning ability does not decline with age. If older people remain healthy, their intellectual abilities and skills do not decline.(Ostwald and William, 1981) (more…)
Teaching Reading to Autistic Students
Jessy Vanaja
James Fisher (2000)2 Writes about his autistic son Charlie:
“Autism is a neurobiological disorder marked by severe delays in speech, repetitive or ritualized behaviours, and especially by profound impairments in social interaction. Charlie was late to roll over, sit by himself, walk (he did not crawl but scooted around in a sitting position, propelled by his hands). From the time he was ten months old, he “read” all the books Kristina has set up as his “library.” My mother was the first to raise concerns at how long Charlie would sit. Forty five minutes and more absorbed in the colourful pages of his board. Autism is a disorder which encompasses many behavioural and learning problems, which affect the way an individual gaze at the world. (more…)