On teachers, clocks and perturbations: What complex dynamic systems theory means for the language classroom

Author(s)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51751/dujal27670

Keywords:

second language teaching, complex dynamic systems theory, L2 development, language assessment

Abstract

In this response to Lowie (2026), we discuss what practical implications may follow from a complex dynamic systems theory approach to second language learning and teaching.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Andringa, S. J. (2014). The use of native speaker norms in critical period hypothesis research. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 36(3), 565–596. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0272263113000600

Andringa, S. J., & De Jong, N. H. (2024). Maak de taalexamens inhoudelijk relevant [Make language exams relevant in terms of content]. NRC.

Atkinson, D., Mejía‐Laguna, J., Ribeiro, A. C., Cappellini, M., Kayi‐Aydar, H., & Lowie, W. (2025). Relationality, interconnectedness, and identity: A process‐focused approach to second language acquisition and teaching (SLA/T). The Modern Language Journal, 109(S1), 39–63. https://doi.org/10.1111/modl.12982

Coulange, S., & De Jong, N. H. (2026). Fluency assessment: Incorporating syntactic distance in a new measure of pause location. Journal of Second Language Pronunciation. https://doi.org/10.1075/jslp.25042.cou

De Jong, N. H. (2023). Fluency in Speaking as a Dynamic Construct. Language Teaching Research Quarterly, 37, 179–187

De Vrind, E., Janssen, F. J. J. M., Van Driel, J. H., & De Jong, N. H. (2024). Improving self-regulated learning of speaking skills in foreign languages. The Modern Language Journal, 108(3), 601–624. https://doi.org/10.1111/modl.12953

Duff, P. A. (2017). Social Dimensions and Differences in Instructed SLA. In S. Loewen & M. Sato (Eds), The Routledge Handbook of Instructed Second Language Acquisition. Routledge.

Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2020). Task-Based Language Teaching: Theory and Practice. Cambridge University Press.

Examenprogramma’s moderne vreemde talen. (n.d.). [Overzichtspagina]. SLO. Retrieved 25 March 2026, from https://www.slo.nl/thema/meer/actualisatie-kerndoelen-examenprogramma/actualisatie-examenprogramma/examenprogramma-moderne-vreemde-talen/

Fasoglio, D., De Graaff, R., Groen, L., Hacquebord, H., & Seton, B., (2026, this issue). Gathering evidence through rich assessment forms. A programmatic language portfolio to capture students’ dynamic language learning roadmap. Dutch Journal of Applied Linguistics.

Fasoglio, D., Leunissen, S., & Tammenga, M. (2025). Toelichtingsdocument moderne vreemde talen – vmbo, havo en vwo (versie 2) [Explanatory document modern foreign languages – vmbo, havo and vwo (version 2)]. SLO.

Freeborn, L., Andringa, S. J., Lunansky, G., & Rispens, J. (2023). Network analysis for modeling complex systems in SLA research. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 45(2), 526–557.

Hiver, P. (2022). Methods for Complexity Theory in Individual Differences Research. In S. Li, P. Hiver, & Papi, Mostafa (Eds), The Routledge Handbook of Second Language Acquisition and Individual Differences. Routledge.

Krashen, S., & Terrell, T. (1983). The natural approach: Language acquisition in the classroom. Pergamon.

Lowie, W. (2026, this issue). A complex dynamic systems approach to L2 development as a metatheory of language learning and teaching. Dutch Journal of Applied Linguistics. https://doi.org/10.51751/dujal26925

Lowie, W. (2026). A complex dynamic systems approach to L2 development as a metatheory of language learning and teaching

Lowie, W., Van Dijk, M., Chan, H., & Verspoor, M. (2017). Finding the key to successful L2 learning in groups and individuals. Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 7(1), 127–148.

Lowie, W., & Verspoor, M. (2015). Variability and Variation in Second Language Acquisition Orders: A Dynamic Reevaluation. Language Learning, 65(1), 63–88. https://doi.org/10.1111/lang.12093

Martin, A. J., & Elliot, A. J. (2016). The role of personal best (PB) goal setting in students' academic achievement gains. Learning and Individual Differences, 45, 222-227.

McColskey, W., & Leary, M. R. (1985). Differential effects of norm-referenced and self-referenced feedback on performance expectancies, attribution, and motivation. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 10, 275–284.

Meesterschapsteam Moderne Vreemde Talen. (2022). Visie op de toekomst van het curriculum Moderne Vreemde Talen [Perspectives on the future of the curriculum of Modern Foreign Languages]. modernevreemdetalen.vakdidactiekgw.nl/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/04/Basistekst-visie-4.4.pdf

Michel, M., Lowie, W., Knopp, E., Versendaal, R., Koffeman, M., & Andringa, S. J. (2026). Sustainability in Modern Foreign Language Education: Teaching and learning for the future. [Manuscript submitted for publication].

Robinson, P. (2001). Task complexity, cognitive resources, and syllabus design: A triadic framework for examining task influences on SLA. In P. Robinson (Ed.), Cognition and second language instruction (Book, Section, pp. 287–353). Cambridge University Press.

Skehan, P. (2009). Modelling second language performance: Integrating complexity, accuracy, fluency, and lexis. Applied Linguistics, 30(4), 510–532.

Smit, N., Van Dijk, M., De Bot, K., & Lowie, W. (2022). The complex dynamics of adaptive teaching: Observing teacher-student interaction in the language classroom. International Review of Applied Linguistics in Language Teaching, 60(1), 23–40. https://doi.org/10.1515/iral-2021-0023

Smit, N., Van Dijk, M., De Bot, K., & Lowie, W. (2023). The Teacher’s Turn: Teachers’ Perceptions of Observed Patterns of Classroom Interaction. In R. Maulana, M. Helms-Lorenz, & R. M. Klassen (Eds), Effective Teaching Around the World (pp. 737–755). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-31678-4_34

Spada, N. (2007). Communicative Language Teaching. In J. Cummins & C. Davison (Eds), International Handbook of English Language Teaching (pp. 271–288). Springer US. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-46301-8_20

Storch, N. (2017). Sociocultural Theory in the L2 Classroom. In S. Loewen & M. Sato (Eds), The Routledge Handbook of Instructed Second Language Acquisition. Routledge.

Swan, M. (2005). Legislation by Hypothesis: The Case of Task-Based Instruction. Applied Linguistics, 26(3), 376–401. https://doi.org/10.1093/applin/ami013

Valdman, M. (2013). Classroom Foreign Language Learning and Language Variation: The Notion of Pedagogical Norms. In M. Eisenstein (Ed.), The Dynamic Interlanguage: Empirical Studies in Second Language Variation. Springer Science & Business Media.

Van den Branden, K. (2016). The Role of Teachers in Task-Based Language Education. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 36, 164–181. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0267190515000070

Van Dijk, M., Lowie, W., Smit, N., Verspoor, M., & Van Geert, P. (2025). Complex dynamic systems theory as a foundation for process-oriented research on second language development. Second Language Research, 41(4), 805–819. https://doi.org/10.1177/02676583241246739

Verspoor, M., Lowie, W., & Van Dijk, M. (2008). Variability in Second Language Development From a Dynamic Systems Perspective. The Modern Language Journal, 92(2), 214–231. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4781.2008.00715.x

Yu, H., & Lowie, W. (2020). Dynamic paths of complexity and accuracy in second language speech: A longitudinal case study of Chinese learners. Applied Linguistics, 41(6), 855–877.

Downloads

Published

14-10-2026

How to Cite

Andringa, S., Berns, J., de Jong, N., Le Bruyn, B., Koffeman, M., & Tammenga, M. (2026). On teachers, clocks and perturbations: What complex dynamic systems theory means for the language classroom. Dutch Journal of Applied Linguistics. https://doi.org/10.51751/dujal27670