Second Language Learning Skills in Children

PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS: 5-10 years of age; Male and female; Speakers of English as a second language and Monolingual English speaking children

PURPOSE: The goal of the project is to understand how second language learning in adults differs from second language learning in children. The researchers concentrate on specific aspects of English grammar, such as sentence structure when formulating questions.

LENGTH: The study consists of one 1-hour session and sometimes a follow-up session done one to two weeks later.

PROCEDURE: Children play a computer game in which they are asked to listen to recorded sentences and then to indicate whether the sentences they hear sound “correct” or “incorrect.”

BENEFITS: Children have an opportunity to practice vocabulary words and various aspects of English grammar. The results of the study may have pedagogical implementations. We anticipate our results to include data on what aspects of language are most difficult to learn and possible why this is the case. Each child who participates receives a stuffed animal at the end of the session