English Language Learning Students Second Language Acquisition: Cognitive Factors and Supporting Strategies

Abstract

Second language acquisition is learning a second language after a first language is already established. Cognitive load means the amount of information that working memory can hold at one time. As working memory has limit capacity and could be influenced by various factors, instructional teaching should avoid overloading it. This paper analyzed three cognitive factors which significantly influence English language learning (ELL) students in the process of their Second language acquisition (SLA). Second language acquisition a highly influenced by negative language transfer between Chinese and English. Redundancy of unnecessary learning information and transiency of spoken information adding additional learning process in working memory that don't positive contribute to learning. Due to the three main factors, several strategies have been developed to support English language learners second language acquisition. Teachers could create an English-learning friendly classroom by encouraging positive learning attitude and increasing the English language input. Provide a multimedia learning environment, reduce the unnecessary information, use dual-channel learning theory and choose appropriate approach based on individual needs are some other strategies that teachers could use to encourage students second language acquisition in classroom setting. Therefore, this paper explained the cognitive learning process of second language acquisition and provide several suggestions of teaching strategies to encourage ELL students language learning.