Universität Wien
Warning! The directory is not yet complete and will be amended until the beginning of the term.

120008 SE MEd 03: SE Applied Research Seminar (2026S)

Investigating individual differences in second language learning

4.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 12 - Anglistik
Continuous assessment of course work
KPH-W-NÖ
Moodle
Tu 10.03. 18:15-19:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).
Register/Deregister for this course

Details

max. 20 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Tuesday 17.03. 18:15 - 19:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 24.03. 18:15 - 19:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 14.04. 18:15 - 19:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 21.04. 18:15 - 19:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 28.04. 18:15 - 19:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 05.05. 18:15 - 19:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 12.05. 18:15 - 19:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 19.05. 18:15 - 19:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 26.05. 18:15 - 19:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 02.06. 18:15 - 19:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 09.06. 18:15 - 19:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 16.06. 18:15 - 19:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 23.06. 18:15 - 19:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 30.06. 18:15 - 19:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This course aims to provide an understanding of how various research methods, approaches, and tools can be used to explore the role of individual differences in learning additional languages. Within this context, individual differences refer to “how individuals differ in traits such as skills, aptitudes, and abilities to learn and perform” (Sullivan, 2009, p. 252). Research on individual differences in second language (L2) learning is a vibrant field of study, exploring, for instance, the role of language learning aptitude (Sparks & Ganschow, 2001), second language motivation (Dörnyei, 2009), language learner emotions (e.g., Dewaele et al., 2023), willingness to communicate (Henry & MacIntyre, 2023), and personality traits (Chen et al., 2021) in L2 learning.

In this course, students will enhance their skills in interpreting, evaluating and applying methods for examining such factors that can influence L2 learning. They will gain practical experience in collecting, transcribing, describing, coding, analyzing, and discussing data. This hands-on work will prepare them to investigate factors, such as second language motivation, learner emotions, willingness to communicate, and learner engagement, empirically. Students will learn how to identify research problems and questions about individual differences in language learning, how to choose suitable methods to address these questions, how to ensure research validity and reliability, and they will be familiarized with using a range of data collection and analysis tools. Research tools covered in this course will include questionnaires, interviews, and verbal protocols.

Participants will strengthen their ability to engage in academic discussions, and completing the course assignments will improve their critical thinking and writing abilities. Additionally, students will gain practical experience in L2 acquisition research by working on a small-scale group project, and they will further enhance their presentation skills during group presentation sessions.

Methods:
Individual/pair/group work, discussion of readings, mini lectures/input, group presentations, critical reflection on and evaluation of data and pertinent literature

Assessment and permitted materials

Assessment will be based on continuous assessment (classwork/homework), individual graded assignments and a group project and presentation.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Attendance is obligatory (max. 2 absences)

A maximum of 100 points can be achieved:
- Active in-class participation (including regular attendance, completion of short in-class and homework assignments, active participation in discussions): max. 20 points
- Completion of two short methods assignment tasks during the course (max. 30 points in total)
- Group project and presentation (max. 50 points in total)

Grading scale:
100-90 = Sehr gut
89-80 = Gut
79-70 = Befriedigend
69-60 = Genügend
59-0 = Nicht genügend

Examination topics

There is no exam. Continuous assessment based on what is covered in the course (see Ziele, Inhalte und Methoden/course schedule). Details on assignments given in class and on Moodle.

Reading list

Handouts and reading texts will be made available on Moodle. In addition to the reading recommended in the course, students are expected to do their own literature searches on specific topics.

Association in the course directory

Studium: MEd 046/507
Code/Modul: MEd 03
Lehrinhalt: 12-4830

Last modified: We 04.02.2026 17:10