ALLAMA IQBAL OPEN UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD

(Department of English Language & Applied Linguistics)

WARNING
1. PLAGIARISM OR HIRING OF GHOST WRITER(S) FOR SOLVING
THE ASSIGNMENT(S) WILL DEBAR THE STUDENT FROM AWARD
OF DEGREE/CERTIFICATE, IF FOUND AT ANY STAGE.
2. SUBMITTING ASSIGNMENTS BORROWED OR STOLEN FROM
OTHER(S) AS ONE’S OWN WILL BE PENALIZED AS DEFINED IN
“AIOU PLAGIARISM POLICY”.

Course: Psycholinguistics and Language Teaching Methodology (5655)

Level: Diploma TEFL Semester: Spring 2017
Total Marks: 100 Pass Marks: 40

ASSIGNMENT No. 1
Q.1 Chomsky believes that the principle concept of a behaviorist’s approach to
language is totally inadequate to account for language behavior. Discuss the
statement in the light of Chomsky’s theory of Mentalism. (15)

Q.2 Discuss in detail the role of the following elements in foreign language
learning: (20)
Motivation
Personality
Learning strategies
Language aptitude

Q.3 How do you think first language acquisition theories might help us to plan a course
for second or foreign language learning? Discuss with examples. (10)

Q.4 Keeping in mind the four stages of teaching/learning, plan a lesson of an hour to
teach the difference between present and simple past tense. (15)

Q.5 Discuss the major approaches underlying the traditional methods of

language learning. Also highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each of these
approaches. (15)

Q.6 What role does a teacher play in successful learning of a second language? Do you
think first language acquisition and second language learning involve similar
strategies? Discuss with relevant examples. (15)

Q.7 Corrections limit the child’s ability to learn language freely. Justify your answer
with examples. (10)

1
 ASSIGNMENT No. 2
Assignment No 2 is based on a research-oriented activity. You are required to study the
relevant area, conduct research and prepare a brief report on your findings in the area
given. You will then have to submit one copy of the report to the tutor within the
scheduled period and at the same time present the report/project in one of the tutorials
(the schedule/plan of the tutorial for the presentation will be intimated by the tutor
concerned or the Regional Director). The compulsory presentation carries 100 marks: 40
marks for the written report and 60 for the presentation.

A few guidelines for the written report and the presentation:

a) The written report should have an introduction, body and conclusion. It should be
written in clear concise and correct English.
b) It should be 5-8 double spaced typed/hand written pages.
c) The presentation is to be assessed and evaluated mainly in the:
– Contents of the assignment/report
– Communication skills
– Language accuracy
– Language fluency
– Presentation style

You may use transparencies, charts or any other relevant material for impressive
presentation with the permission of your tutor.

Attempt one of the following activities:

Psycholinguistics is an interdisciplinary field. Hence, it is studied by researchers from a

variety of different backgrounds, such as psychology, cognitive science, linguistics, and
other related areas. Psycholinguists study many different topics, but these topics can
generally be divided into answering the following questions: (1) how do children acquire
language (language acquisition)? (2) how do people process and comprehend language
(language comprehension)? (3) how do people produce language (language production)?
and (4) how do people acquire a new language (second language acquisition)?

Go through at least 3-5 books on Psycholinguistics and discuss in detail the theories of
language learning. Then, choose a student from either a class you teach or a learner you
know well. Observe/monitor the learner closely to find answers to some of the questions
encountered by the psycholinguists. Analyze the data and give recommendations in the
light of your case study.

OR

2
Language, mind and learning are inevitably linked and an understanding of students’
mental processes, feelings, emotions, motives and behaviour can be invaluable for
teachers wishing to enhance learning within their foreign language classrooms. Read
relevant material in order to explore the above point of view and research into
psychological issues in language education, considering the implications for second
language teachers and learners. Write a brief literature review that might enhance
teachers understanding of the psychological issues in learning and improve their
pedagogical practice in the L2 classroom. Apply the same ideas/views in one of your
language teaching/learning classes and give recommendations based on your
observation/results.