University of Auckland

About: University of Auckland is a education organization based out in Auckland, New Zealand. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 28049 authors who have published 77706 publications receiving 2689366 citations. The organization is also known as: The University of Auckland & Auckland University College.

Corrective Feedback and Teacher Development

Abstract: This article examines a number of controversies relating to how corrective feedback (CF) has been viewed in SLA and language pedagogy. These controversies address (1) whether CF contributes to L2 acquisition, (2) which errors should be corrected, (3) who should do the correcting (the teacher or the learner him/herself), (4) which type of CF is the most effective, and (5) what is the best timing for CF (immediate or delayed). In discussing these controversies, both the pedagogic and SLA literature will be drawn on. The article will conclude with some general guidelines for conducting CF in language classrooms based on a sociocultural view of L2 acquisition and will suggest how these guidelines might be used for teacher development.

Estimating the size-selection curves of towed gears, traps, nets and hooks

Abstract: A general statistical methodology for analysis of selectivity data from any type of fishing gear is presented. This formal statistical modelling of selectivity is built on explicit definitions of the selection process and specification of underlying assumptions and limitations, and this gives the resulting estimates of gear selectivity (and possibly fishing power) a clear interpretation. Application of the methodology to studies using subsampled catch data and to towed gears having windows or grids is outlined, and examples applied to passive nets and towed gears are presented. The analysis of data from replicate deployments is covered in detail, with particular regard to modelling the fixed and random effects of between-haul variation. Recent developments on the design of selectivity experiments are introduced and demonstrated.

Mapping the origins and expansion of the Indo-European language family

Abstract: There are two competing hypotheses for the origin of the Indo-European language family. The conventional view places the homeland in the Pontic steppes about 6000 years ago. An alternative hypothesis claims that the languages spread from Anatolia with the expansion of farming 8000 to 9500 years ago. We used Bayesian phylogeographic approaches, together with basic vocabulary data from 103 ancient and contemporary Indo-European languages, to explicitly model the expansion of the family and test these hypotheses. We found decisive support for an Anatolian origin over a steppe origin. Both the inferred timing and root location of the Indo-European language trees fit with an agricultural expansion from Anatolia beginning 8000 to 9500 years ago. These results highlight the critical role that phylogeographic inference can play in resolving debates about human prehistory.