Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
Anonas Street, Sta. Mesa, Manila
Name: Cassandra Nicole M. Abiera
Section: BEED 3-1D
Reflection Paper on Language Acquisition
TEACHING ENGLISH IN THE ELEMENTARY GRADES (LANGUAGE ARTS)
Write a 1-2 page (minimum 2 paragraphs) reflection paper on language acquisition, and
more specifically on second language acquisition. You can include the ideas learned from
the online class discussion.
Language acquisition is the process through which a person learns to communicate,
understand, and interact with other people. Its application in everyday life comes through first, as
the native language of a person affected by the age of the person, environment, and interactions
among others. And therefore, from whatever I learned up to this point on Second Language
Acquisition (SLA), I realized that something more than just memorizing vocabulary and grammar
rules was attached to this process—it is the understanding of how to use the new language
appropriately in everyday situations. Though it is naturally challenging to shift from first language
learning to a second, the latter allows one's means to grow further regarding communication and
the mutual enrichment of cultures.
What I learned in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) was really interesting—the videos
and readings were very insightful. One of the significant imports of the concepts I learned was
comprehensible input. It basically illustrates that the learner learns best when faced with a
language that is just beyond their comprehension, hence increases their skills little by little. I feel
this concept because it's all about exposure to language that is accessible yet challenging at the
same time.
I also learned that learning a second language really demands a lot of patience and
persistence. While reflecting on my own experiences with language learning, I found that making
mistakes is a part of this process of language learning. Mistakes serve as an important means of
learning because they help learners pinpoint their mistakes and where they need more practice
while continuing to try again. The fact of the matter is that error should be viewed as a
steppingstone, not a setback wherein mistakes are there in learning to use language.
Furthermore, I realized that social interaction plays a very key role in Second Language
Acquisition (SLA). Interacting with other people—classmates or teachers—provides relevant
practice and reflects the language skills in practical life. Communication is highlighted as the very
central act in the process of language learning, demonstrating how interaction not only provides
a means of better knowing but also reinforcing confidence. Besides, it fosters a sense of
community that enables learners to take more risks and speak out more freely, which increases
their chances of acquiring the language more effectively. The creation of a warm atmosphere
promotes interaction, and thus, teachers should collaborate for such spaces where students feel
comfortable both in taking part and trying out their language skills.
In conclusion, my knowledge of Second Language Acquisition (SLA) has been enlarged
by video materials and readings I passed through. I now know that learning a second language
is quite complex and influenced by many factors that, in turn, improve the whole experience and,
finally, the efficiency of the language acquisition process. Being a future teacher, I would want a
classroom where the same aspects can come into play, with feeling secure, motivated, and
engaged. By incorporating a number of teaching strategies that support interaction and
collaboration, I can lead my students on their journey into another language. Ultimately, this
causes me to strive for confident and capable communicators who are using their second
language with preparation for the diverse world around them.
