Second language acquisition research and materials development: Need to bridge the gap between theory and practice

Authors

  • Shahzad Karim Assistant Professor of English, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan
  • Abdul Saeed Sukkur Institute of Business Administration University, Pakistan
  • Naushaba Haq The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52131/pjhss.2021.0903.0133

Keywords:

Second Language Acquisition (SLA), Research and Theory, Materials Development, ELT, Language Pedagogy

Abstract

This research paper highlights the issue of the lack of connection between second language acquisition (SLA) theory and research, particularly with regard to language pedagogy and its practical implementation in language teaching materials/textbooks. Based on a theoretical review of the major theoretical perspectives in SLA, the paper underscores that a gap exists between the theory developers (who develop theories through research) and the practitioners (who bear the responsibility for the implementation of theoretical knowledge) in the fields of SLA and materials development. This lack of cohesion between the theory developers and the practitioners causes the development of ineffective English language teaching (ELT) materials which, consequently, fail to make a substantial contribution to effective English language teaching and learning. The paper highlights that it is important to explore SLA theory and research and ensure its implementation in ELT materials. Similarly, there is a need to carry out research about the implementation of SLA theory in materials development and instructed language learning. Such research will be a significant contribution to the field of materials development and will open new horizons in language pedagogy from both theoretical and practical perspectives.

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Published

2021-11-30

How to Cite

Karim, S., Saeed, A., & Haq, N. (2021). Second language acquisition research and materials development: Need to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Pakistan Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 9(3), 281–291. https://doi.org/10.52131/pjhss.2021.0903.0133

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Section

Articles