Shannon Becker

Research Interests

My primary research area is second language acquisition (SLA). More specifically, I am interested in how second language learners perceive and produce new sounds in their L2 and how they develop listening comprehension proficiency, especially the cognitive processes by which this skill becomes automatic. I am also interested in the application of complex systems theory to the developing language system and how this perspective changes the methodological tools we use in SLA. I use both classroom- and laboratory-based experiments in my research to improve our theoretical understanding of how languages are learned and to offer practical suggestions for pedagogy. 

Select Publications

Books 

  • Becker, S. R. (2020). French for Reading and Translation. Routledge.   

Refereed Journal Articles and Book Chapters  

  • Becker, S. R. (2021). Metacognitive instruction in L2 French: An analysis of listening performance and automaticity. Foreign Language Annals, 54(1), 9-26.  
  • Becker, S. R., & Sturm, J. L. (2018). Using metacognitive strategies to induce a phase shift: A complex systems approach to L2 listening instruction. In A.E. Tyler, L. Ortega, M. Uno, & H. I. Park, (Eds.). Usage-inspired L2 instruction: Researched pedagogy. Amsterdam: John Benjamins. 
  • Becker, S. R., & Sturm, J. L. (2017). Effects of audiovisual media on listening comprehension: A preliminary study in French. CALICO, 34(2), 1-31.  

Refereed Conference Proceedings  

  • Becker, S. R. (submitted). Teaching and researching French nasal vowels: The pros and cons of online training modalities for improving perception and production. Proceedings of the 14th Pronunciation in Second Language Learning and Teaching Conference, Purdue University, September 6-8, 2023.  
  • Becker, S. R., & Sturm, J. L. (2022). Assessing variability in pronunciation development: Case studies from a complexity perspective. Proceedings of the 12th Pronunciation in Second Language Learning and Teaching Conference, Brock University, June 2021: virtual.  
  • Becker, S. R. (2017). Perception and production of unfamiliar L2 segments: Using technology for teaching and research. In M. O’Brien & J. Levis (Eds). Proceedings of the 8th Pronunciation in Second Language Learning and Teaching Conference, ISSN 2380-9566, Calgary, AL, August 2016 (pp. 21-29). Ames, IA: Iowa State University.   

Reviews  

  • Becker, S. R. (2020). Review of Barféty, M., Beaujoin, P., Olivry, F., and Liakin, D. (2019) Expression orale: Amérique du nord. The French Review, 94, 1, 201.  
  • Becker, S. R. (2019). Review of Wong, W., Weber-Fevre, S., Lair, A., and VanPatten, B. (2018) Encore: niveau intermédiaire. The French Review, 93, 2, 244-245.  

Manuscripts in progress  

  • Becker, S. R. Going digital: opportunities and challenges in adopting a fully online textbook.  
  • Becker, S. R. Improving L1 English speakers’ perception of L2 French nasal vowels through high variability phonetic training.   
  • Becker, S. R. On the feasibility of conceptualizing discrete L2 skills within the complexity paradigm. 
  • Becker, S. R. Introduction to French Linguistics textbook.

Education

  • Ph.D., Purdue University, French and Second Language Acquisition
  • M.A., Purdue University, French and Applied Linguistics
  • M.F.S., University of Wisconsin-Madison, Professional French and Media/Arts/Cultural Production
  • B.A., Western Michigan University, French

Contact

Shannon Becker
Associate Professor
Watson Hall 115
sbecker@niu.edu