Discussion

Universal Grammar

Part One: View the video Steven Pinker: Linguistics as a Window to Understanding the Brain. Evaluate the aspects, role, and significance of Universal Grammar in English second language acquisition. Which aspect of Universal Grammar do you think has the greatest application to a classroom setting? Explain the rationale for your choice.

Part Two: Using a specific concept from the video, create an activity that you could use in a classroom setting. Your activity should assess the lexical (words), typology (patterns) and/or function (how language functions) in relation to Universal Grammar and learning English.

Use the video to assist you in creating the activity. Be sure to include the target audience, the standard(s) being addressed, an explanation of the activity, and how it will be assessed.

Guided Response: Respond to at least two of your classmates with suggestions they might consider in order to improve their activity. Be sure to also respond to any questions from your classmates and the instructor.