Changing Perspectives on Good Language Learners

These sources collectively examine factors influencing second language (L2) acquisition, moving beyond traditional views focused on individual motivation or cognitive traits. The first source introduces the concept of social identity and investment, arguing that a learner's complex sense of self and the power dynamics within social interactions significantly impact their opportunity and willingness to speak an L2. This is illustrated through a study of immigrant women in Canada. The second source builds on this by exploring changing perspectives on "good language learners", suggesting that success is linked to access to diverse conversations within a community of practice, rather than solely individual characteristics. It compares adult and child learners to highlight the role of social contexts and human agency. The third source focuses on Willingness to Communicate (WTC) in an L2, presenting it as a dynamic, volitional process influenced by a convergence of individual, social, and situational factors that operate in the moment a decision to speak is made. It discusses the interplay of driving and restraining forces that contribute to this choice, proposing that future research focus on these micro-level dynamics.


education research, education podcast, podcast for teachers, international school podcast, podcast research, teaching and learning, language acquisition, SLA, TCK, student identity, Chinese students, IB schools, IB education, education theory, research theory, EdD, PhD Education,