Myths And Misconceptions

Article Review 1: “Myths and Misconceptions about Second Language Learning”

The article “Myths and Misconceptions about Second Language Learning” posted by Eric Clearinghouse discusses several myths and misconceptions held about second language learners. With increasing globalization of the modern age, learning a second language is becoming more and more valuable. As the importance of second language learning is on the rise, teachers are facing an increasing amount of obstacles when teaching second languages. Due to a need for better education of second languages, more and more research and understanding of second language acquisition have come to light, revealing several errors and advantages of traditional teaching methods. As the author

The writer points out the potential dangers of subjecting second language learners to a faulty curriculum, and uses the debunking of five myths and misconceptions to offer a possible solution. For every myth or misconception discusses, the author does well in explaining where each myth roots from, and leaves no space for confusion when debunking them. The author provides strong evidence and research to show how each myth is flawed in its own way, and clearly explains how these misconceptions are formed. Each myth and misconception is well explained, and the importance of understanding them are appropriately highlighted repeatedly. The writer connects each myth to the importance of teaching, and provides well defended solutions to counter the consequences of each myth. It should also be pointed out how every point of the article is heavily revolved around cultural and linguistic diversity, and focuses on embracing these diversities to improve second language teaching. However, while the article is very thorough and well supported, it lacks diversity of focus. Although the article is meant to help all second language learners, it focuses too much only on children, and does not provide enough information of second language learners who are not children. As a result, the article falls short in providing assistance to adults who are trying learn a second