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  • Writer's pictureMu Mei Hsueh

Complexity Theory & Dynamic Systems Theory (DST) from Diane Larsen Freeman

Updated: Feb 29

M27 U 1 Activity 2: Syntax, Structure, and Grammar



Teaching principles on language teaching and learning- Complexity Theory


Diane Larsen-Freeman's work on language teaching and learning is characterized by a focus on dynamic and complex systems, as well as a commitment to learner-centered approaches. Here are some teaching principles that can be drawn from her work:


  1. Complexity in Language Learning:

    1. Principle: Embrace the complexity of language learning as a dynamic and non-linear process. Recognize that language development is influenced by various interconnected factors, and learners progress in diverse and unpredictable ways.

  2. Dynamic Systems Theory (DST):

    1. Principle: Adopt a dynamic systems perspective, viewing language as a dynamic and evolving system shaped by continuous interactions between various elements. Encourage teaching approaches that acknowledge the complexity of language development.

  3. Interlanguage Development:

    1. Principle: Acknowledge the concept of interlanguage, wherein learners create their own linguistic systems as they progress towards proficiency. Allow for variability and individual differences in the language development of learners.

  4. Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT):

    1. Principle: Promote task-based language teaching, which focuses on using language for real-world tasks and communication. Design activities that engage learners in meaningful and authentic language use.

  5. Usage-Based Language Learning:

    1. Principle: Support the idea that language learning is rooted in the frequency and pattern of language use. Design lessons that expose learners to authentic language input and encourage them to use language in meaningful contexts.

  6. Teaching Grammar in Context:

    1. Principle: Embed grammar instruction within meaningful and communicative contexts. Avoid isolated drills and instead integrate grammar into activities that naturally involve language use for communication.

  7. Attention to Form and Meaning:

    1. Principle: Balance attention to both form and meaning in language instruction. Recognize that learners benefit from understanding the grammatical structures of a language, but this understanding should be connected to meaningful communication.

  8. Sociocultural Factors in Language Learning:

    1. Principle: Acknowledge the influence of sociocultural factors on language learning. Consider the impact of social interactions, cultural context, and individual experiences in shaping language development.

  9. Reflective Teaching Practices:

    1. Principle: Encourage reflective teaching practices, where educators regularly reflect on their teaching methods and adapt them to the evolving needs of learners. Foster a mindset of continuous improvement and flexibility in teaching approaches.

  10. Learner-Centered Approaches:

    1. Principle: Adopt learner-centered approaches that take into account individual learner needs, preferences, and styles. Provide opportunities for learners to take an active role in their language learning process.

Lesson Plan Activity:

  • Module 27: English Language Development in a Linguistically Diverse Environment

  • Unit 1: Grammar Skill Development in a Linguistically Diverse Classroom

  • Activity 2: Syntax, Structure, and Grammar Requirements

  1. Design a language lesson plan that focuses on grammar teaching/learning that is appropriate for a current grade level/population or would be appropriate for a potential future grade level/population of learners in a particular context. Your lesson plan should state the learner profile, learning objectives, series and sequence of activities and estimated time for each, and assessment of learning.

  2. Drawing on concepts from Diane Larsen Freeman, describe the choices you have made in your design of this lesson.  Specifically, what principles of grammar instruction have you adhered to in your lesson? At what points in your lesson are you focusing on form or on meaning? As part of your response to this forum, upload and share your lesson plan with your peers.

  3. Swap and review your lesson plan with a partner from your cohort. Offer broad feedback (1 page) that answers the question: How does this lesson, as designed, empower the learners?  How does the lesson allow the opportunity for learners to focus on form and focus on meaning?


Principles of Grammar Instruction Incorporated:

Drawing on concepts from Diane Larsen Freeman, I have incorporated the following principles of grammar instruction into my lesson.


  1. Teaching Grammar in Context: Grammar is seamlessly integrated into storytelling, adding meaning and relevance for students. In the lesson, the emphasis is on conveying that understanding verb tenses goes beyond rules; it's about elevating the quality and impact of storytelling. This approach ensures that students organically encounter and apply past, present, and future tenses in the context of their narratives.

  2. Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT): The lesson centers around a family narrative activity, guiding students to use different verb tenses authentically. This task allows them to apply their understanding of verb tenses in real communicative contexts with a cultural focus, in line with the Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) principle.

  3. Focus on Form and Meaning: The lesson begins with a narrative task, prioritizing meaning as students freely express themselves. Subsequently, a guided grammar explanation follows, addressing specific verb tense forms used in the narratives. I encourage the importance of feedback for language improvement, highlighting that attention to verb tense and expression of emotions helps strike a balance between how we say things and what we truly mean.

  4. Complexity Theory: The lesson lets students explore verb tenses dynamically and non-linearly through the family narrative activity, aligning with the complexity theory of language learning. Learners engage authentically, experimenting with language forms as they share experiences.



黛安·拉森·弗里曼在語言教學和學習方面的著作中的教學原則: (關注動態和複雜的系統,以及致力於以學習者為中心的方法。)


1. 語言學習的複雜性:

  • 原則:將語言學習的複雜性視為一個動態和非線性的過程。認識到語言發展受到各種相互關聯的因素的影響,學習者以多種且不可預測的方式取得進步。

2. 動態系統理論(DST):

  • 原則:採用動態系統視角,將語言視為一個動態的、不斷發展的系統,由各種元素之間的持續互動所形成。鼓勵承認語言發展複雜性的教學方法。

3. 中介語發展和變異性:

  • 原則:中介語是指學習者在熟練第二語言時發展的動態和不斷發展的語言系統。她強調中介語的可變性和靈活性,承認學習者在不同的發展階段可能表現出不同的語言形式和模式,即學習者在提高熟練程度的過程中創建自己的語言系統

4. 以任務為基礎的語言教學(TBLT):

  • 原則:提倡以任務為基礎的語言教學,重點在於使用語言來完成現實世界的任務和溝通。設計讓學習者進行有意義且真實的語言使用的活動。

5. 基於使用的語言學習:

  • 原則:支持語言學習植根於語言使用頻率和模式的觀點設計課程,讓學習者接觸真實的語言輸入,並鼓勵他們在有意義的上下文中使用語言。

6. 語境教學文法:

  • 原則:將文法教學嵌入有意義和交際的脈絡中。避免孤立的練習,而是將文法融入自然涉及語言交流的活動中。

7. 注意形式和意義:

  • 原則:在語言教學中平衡形式和意義。認識到學習者受益於理解語言的語法結構,但這種理解應該與有意義的溝通聯繫起來

8. 語言學習中的社會文化因素:

  • 原則:承認社會文化因素對語言學習的影響。考慮社會互動、文化背景和個人經驗對語言發展的影響

9. 反思性教學實踐:

  • 原則:鼓勵反思性教學實踐,教育工作者定期反思其教學方法並使其適應學習者不斷變化的需求。培養持續改進和彈性教學方法的心態。

10. 以學習者為中心的方法:

  • 原則:採用以學習者為中心的方法,考慮學習者的個人需求、偏好和風格。為學習者提供在語言學習過程中發揮積極作用的機會。


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