modularity principlen
see module^2
module^1 n
an instructional unit in a course that is planned as a self-contained and inde-
pendent learning sequence with its own objectives. For example a 120 hour
language course might be divided into four modules of 30 hours each.
Assessment is carried out at the end of each module. The use of modules is
said to allow for flexible organization of a course and can give learners a
sense of achievement because objectives are more immediate and specific.
see unit
module^2 n
an autonomous component of a larger system.
For example, a language contains a phonological module.
Language itself can also be seen as a module. In this view, sometimes
referred to as the modularity principleor modularity hypothesis, the lan-
guage faculty is considered to be autonomous with respect to such other
human systems as the perceptual system and general cognition. In this view,
neither the form of language nor the process through which it is acquired is
influenced by these systems.
monitor hypothesisn
also monitor model of second language development
a theory proposed by Krashen which distinguishes two distinct processes in
second and foreign language development and use. One, called “acquisi-
tion”, is said to be a subconscious process which leads to the development
of “competence” and is not dependent on the teaching of grammatical
rules. The second process, called “learning” refers to the conscious study
and knowledge of grammatical rules. In producing utterances, learners
initially use their acquired system of rules. Learning and learned rules have
only one function: to serve as a monitor or editor of utterances initiated by
the acquired system, and learning cannot lead to acquisition.
see also input hypothesis
monitoring^1 nmonitorv
listening to one’s own utterancesto compare what was said with what
was intended, and to make corrections if necessary. People generally try to
speak fluently (see fluency) and appropriately (see appropriateness), and
try to make themselves understood. The interjections and self-corrections
that speakers make while talking show that monitoring is taking place, and
are usually for the purposes of making meaning clearer. For example:
monitoring