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TSL 3103 ELT Methodology

Theories of Language Learning


Mohd Izzudin bin Abd Rahim TESL 1 Freshman

In order to make efforts at language teaching and learning effective, we have to base our classroom practice on sound theories of learning. Major theories that have had an impact on the teaching and learning of English (Behaviorism, Cognitive, Social Constructivism and Humanism)

Behaviorism

Behaviorism

Originated in the early 20th century Some behaviorists conduct a research on animals and children how they learn language Psychologists ; -Pavlov -Watson -Thorndike

It is possible to train animals using a learning model (Stimulus->Response->Reinforcement)

Stimulus - the light is switch on

Response - the rat goes up to a bar and presses it

Reinforcement - A piece of food drops at its feet.

After few repetition, the rat will always press the bar when the light is switched on.

OR

Skinner also applied this theory to the way humans acquire language. language is a form of behavior. Example; Baby is hungry (stimulus)->Baby cries (response)> Milk is given (reinforcement)

Baby soon learns that if he cries, milk will be given

Skinner

Reinforcement is very important in the early stage of learning. Correct behavior should be rewarded and mistakes are corrected immediately.

For the teacher, the following implications of the behavior model of learning are relevant:

Language is learnt only through use or practice. The more the learner is exposed to the use the better the chances of learning it. Learning takes place faster if the correct response toward stimulus is confirmed. The learner must know at once if his effort is right or wrong (rewarded).

Every new item learnt must be reinforced by further practice before further learning begins

Producing the correct linguistic response also requires effort. If the learner is not called upon to make this effort there is no learning.

Cognitivism

Cognitive psychologists challenge the limitations of behaviorism in its focus on observable behavior.

Emphasize on the learners and how they organize their knowledge.

Instead of repetition and drills, cognitivists propose teaching learners how to analyse problems and how to think for themselves

Chomsky

Critics Behaviourism Language is not a form of behaviour but an intricate rule-based system.

Chomsky argument

If language is learnt behaviour, young learners would not utter these sentences; -She cutted my paper. -Father goed to work.

learners realize the rule add ed to the base form to denote the simple past

Jean Piaget

Assimilation: it occurs when a child perceives new objects or events in terms of existing schemes or operations Accommodation: it has occurred when existing schemes or operations must be modified to account for a new experience. Equilibration: it is the master developmental process, encompassing both assimilation and accommodation.

Cognitivists views

Language learning is an active process. Learners are constantly required to think and make sense of new information that they receive. Learners seek to discover the underlying rules and apply them. Learners often misinterpret the rules and mistakes were made.

Cognitivists views

View errors as a sign of learning. Classroom should be learner-centered. Learners do not need to be corrected immediately and directly. Errors as integral part of learning.

References

Purwarno Hadinata; Faculty of English Literature, Islamic University of North Sumatra, Medan, Indonesia. http://purwarnolinguistics.blogspot.com/2005/12/behaviouristapproach.html ELT Methodology, principles and practice. Oxford Fajar http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/w/x/wxh139/cogni tive_1.htm

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