Second Language Acquisition and the U.S. Public School System

Doughty, Catherine J. and Michael H. Long. The Handbook of Second Language Acquisition.  Blackwell Publishing, UK: 2003. 

            The Handbook of Second Language Acquisition discusses the biological and cognitive components of second language acquisition, mechanisms, processes, and constraints on second language acquisition, the level of ultimate attainment, research methods, and the status of second language acquisition as a cognitive science. The work is composed of the contributions from twenty-seven of the world’s leading linguistics experts.  The book is helpful to many areas of study including linguistics, psychology, applied linguistics, ESL, foreign languages, and cognitive science.  The book treats the controversy over second language acquisition age restraints well, and informs the reader of both positions providing relevant research on both sides of the issue. 
 

García, Eugene E. Teaching and Learning in Two Languages: Bilingualism and Schooling in the United States.  Multicultural Education Series.  Teacher’s College Press, New York, NY: 2005.

            García’s book examines both the scientific and social aspects bilingual schooling.  The work’s target audience is foreign language teachers, and thus includes a final segment about theory, practice and language policy relevant to U.S. students and their teachers.  The work is helpful and in-depth in all aspects of understanding the linguistics issue with second language acquisition, especially concerning current U.S. policy, and the controversy surrounding bilingual schools. 

Krashen, Stephen D. and Tracy D. Terrell.  The Natural Approach: Language Acquisition in the Classroom. Then Alemany Press, San Diego, CA: 1983.

            The Natural Approach: Language Acquisition in the Classroom discusses the theory and methods of the natural approach to language acquisition in the classroom. The natural approach is based on the theory that language acquisition occurs only when students receive comprehensible input, and emphasizes reading and listening comprehension for beginning students. The seven chapters cover language teaching approaches, second language acquisition theory, classroom implications of the theory, how to begin using the natural approach, oral communication development through acquisition activities, additional sources of input for acquisition, and testing and classroom management. The book is helpful in understanding one approach to second language acquisition, and one theory on how to promote it. 

O’Malley, J. Michael and Anna Uhl Chamot.  Learning Strategies in Second Language Acquisition.  Cambridge University Press, New York, NY: 1993.

            Learning Strategies in Second Language Acquisition is the result of a study of learning strategies in second language learning, of both English and other languages, and presents a theory of the role learning strategies play, and uses it to further examine specific studies and to integrate research results.  Much of the book deals with the cognitive approach to language acquisition, and is replete with useful studies. Two studies are specifically used to suggest learning strategies for second language acquisition.  The book also includes outlines of instructional models and materials for teaching learning strategies.  This work is extensive, in-depth, and relevant to the issue of foreign language pedagogy. 

Zhao, Yong (ed.).  Research in Technology and Second Language Learning: Developments and Directions. Volume in Research in Second Language Learning. Information Age Publishing, U.S.: 2005.

            Zhao’s collection of articles from vanguard psycholinguists, and educators provides an overview of the issue, and then segments the book into four other pieces discussing various ways to deal with technology and second language learning.  Many articles are the results of new studies, and data is included.  The book is especially helpful for those looking to approach language acquisition with new technology, and for those looking for studies and quantitative data on the subject.