ASSIGNMENT

________________________________________________________________________

HBEC2603
TEACHING ENGLISH TO YOUNG LEARNERS
SEPTEMBER 2015 SEMESTER
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INSTRUCTIONS TO STUDENTS
1. This assignment contains only ONE (1) question that is set in the language of the printed module
for the course.
2. Answer in English.
3. Learners are to submit assignment only in MsWord format unless specified otherwise. Please
refrain from converting text/phrases into picture format such as .gif / .jpeg / print screen / etc.
4. Download the language version of the assignment template concerned from the MyVLE for
preparation and submission of your assignment. Your assignment should be typed using 12 point
Times New Roman font and 1.5 line spacing.
5. Your assignment should be between 2500 to 3000 words excluding references. Do not copy the
assignment question and instructions to your answer. Only assignment answer developed within
the approximate word limit will be assessed. The number of words should be shown at the end of
your assignment.
6. You must submit your assignment ONLINE via the MyVLE. Refer to the portal for instructions
on the procedures to submit your assignment online. You are advised to keep a copy of your
submitted assignment and proof of the submission for personal reference.
7. You can submit your assignment ONCE only in a SINGLE file. The file must be in MS-WORD
format. Please ensure that you submit the CORRECT and latest version of file. File which is
wrongly submitted must be re-submitted online before the deadline.
8. Your assignment must be submitted between 2nd 15th November 2015. Submission after 15th
November 2015 will NOT be accepted.
9. Your assignment should be prepared individually. You should not copy another persons
assignment. You should also not plagiarise another persons work as your own.
10. Please take note that PENALTY will be imposed on late submission of assignment as specified in
the Registrars Office circular 6/2012 (Refer to Registrars Announcement in myVLE).
11. Please ensure that you keep the RECEIPT issued upon submisson of your assignment as proof of
submission. Your assignment is considered as NOT submitted if you fail to produce the
submission receipt in any dispute arises concerning assignment submission.

EVALUATION
This assignment accounts for 40% of the total marks for the course and shall be assessed
based on the Rubrics or Answer Scheme attached.
You would be given feedback on the assignment before the Final Semester Examination
commences.
PLAGIARISM: MARKS DEDUCTION
Warning: The submitted assignment will automatically undergo a similarity check. If
plagiarism is detected, marks would be deducted as follows:
No.
1.
2.
3.
4.

Similarity Percentage
0 30
30.01 50
50.01 70
70.01 - 100

Marks Deduction
0
5
10
100

ASSIGNMENT QUESTION
Preschool teachers need to understand that language development is a process. It is a process
which starts early in human life from without language, distinguishing speech sounds,
babbling, acquiring words, phrases, to forming sentences to express thoughts and feelings.
Thus, it is important for teachers to understand who young children are, what do they do, and
how do they acquire language.
Question: Why is it important to understand childrens diversity when teaching language?
Step 1: In 2000 words, discuss:

The importance of understanding preschoolers:

o Language development
o Language acquisition
o Cognitive, emotional and social development and needs

Step 2: Draw ONE needs spidergram of preschoolers in second language learning situation
and ONE action spidergram of second language teachers to fulfill these preschoolers needs.
Both needs and action spidergram should be clearly drawn
Originality counts!
Needs and action spidergram should be well adapted and documented, and submitted as
part of assignment.
[Total: 40 marks]

Assignment Rubrics
Written Paper (30 marks)

Criteria

Weight

Missing
Item

Low

Fair

0
There is no
clear
introduction
of the main
topic or
structure of
the paper.

1
The introduction does
not mention the
objectives of the paper
and important
concepts.

2
Main topic is stated
but without proper
arrangement of the
framework nor is it
inviting to the reader.

3
Main topic is stated
with proper
organization in
approaching the
framework. Clear
statements of
objectives and
important concepts.

The content is vague

in conveying the
main idea and does
not create a strong
sense of purpose.
Includes information
with few facts. Some
of the information
may not seem fit to
answer the question.

The content is written

with logical
progression of main
ideas and supporting
information.
Information is not so
accurate and current
but indicates direct
answer to the
question.

Only partially
develops the
argument, shallow
analysis, some ideas
and generalizations
undeveloped or
unsupported, makes
limited use of textual
evidence, fails to
integrate quotations
appropriately.
Very vague
Recognizable
conclusion. The paper conclusion, but does
just ends.
not tie up
introduction, content
and evaluation.

Pursues writing
consistently, develops
a main argument with
clear major points and
appropriate textual
evidence and
supporting detail,
make an effort to
organize paragraphs
topically.

Well chosen
examples, details used
to develop and support
writing consistently,
uses quotations and
citations effectively,
causal connections
between ideas and
evidence.

10

Acceptable conclusion
that ties up
introduction, content
and evaluation.

A concrete conclusion.
The conclusion ties up
introduction, content
and evaluation. Well
summarized.

TOTAL MARKS

30

Introduction

1.25

Content The importance

of understanding
preschoolers:
Language
development
Language acquisition
Cognitive, emotional,
social development &
needs.

2.5

The main
idea is not
clear. There
is no
relevant
information.

The content is lacks of

clear main idea and
logical sequence of
information.
Information is
incomplete and
incorrect.

Organization

2.5

Not
relevant.

Frequently only
narrate, digress from
one topic to another
without developing
ideas or terms, makes
insufficient or
awkward use of
textual evidence.

Conclusion

1.25

No
conclusion
provided.

Above
Average

Excellent

4
The introduction is
inviting. Main topic is
clearly stated and
writing out the
framework was
clearly planned.
Objectives and main
concepts are clearly
explained.
The content is clearly
written with logical
progression of main
ideas and supporting
information.
Information is
accurate and current
which directly
answered the
questions.

Max
Marks
5

10

Needs Spidergram (10 marks)

Criteria
Needs & Action
spidergram:
1. Preschoolers in second
language learning
situation.
2. Second language
teachers to fulfill the
preschoolers needs.

Weight
2.5

Missing
Item

0
Needs
spidergram
have no
relation to
preschoolers
language
learning and
teachers
fulfilling the
needs.

Low

1
Needs spidergram
have relation to
preschoolers
language learning
and teachers
fulfilling childrens
needs but do not
adequately support
the teaching/
learning English to
young learners.

Fair

2
Needs spidergram
display the
preschoolers
language learning
situation and teachers
fulfilling childrens
needs, do not
adequately support
teaching/ learning
English to young
learners.

Above
Average

3
Needs spidergram
clearly display the
preschoolers language
learning situation and
teachers fulfilling
childrens needs,
support the teaching/
learning English to
young learners.

Excellent

Max
4
Marks
Needs spidergram
10
are justified, clearly
display the
preschoolers
language learning
situation and teachers
fulfilling childrens
needs, support the
teaching/ learning
English to young
learners.
TOTAL MARKS
10

STUDENT GUIDELINES

Read more about language development, language acquisition, language learning, and
young children.

Refer to your module topics 1 and 2 for further details on childrens language
development and learning.

You may also read further by googling these keywords:

Second language learning for young children

Children language learning needs

Children Language development and Acquisition

For ideas on spidergram, you could try this sites:

a

http://www.michaelonmindmapping.com/mind-maps/spidergrams-and-mindmapping-whats-the-difference/

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/graphicorganizers/spider/

Make sure that your needs spidergram are related to the second language learning, and
relevant for preschool learning environment.

TUTOR GUIDELINES

To assist students on the understanding of children language development, second

language learning and needs for young children.

To advise students on how to prepare the needs spidergram.

Please assist students to clearly draw the needs spidergram. Check to see that both
spidergrams are relevant to the questions.