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TSL 3103 ELT Methodology

Theories of Language Learning

Mohd Izzudin bin Abd Rahim TESL 1 Freshman

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In order to make efforts at language teachingand learning effective, we have to base ourclassroom practice on sound theories of learning.

Major theories that have had an impact on theteaching and learning of English (Behaviorism,Cognitive, Social Constructivism and Humanism)

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Behaviorism

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Behaviorism

Originated in the early 20th

century Some behaviorists conduct a research on

animals and children how they learn language

Psychologists ;

-Pavlov

-Watson

-Thorndike

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

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Stimulus - the light is switch on

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Response - the rat goes up to a bar and

presses it

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Reinforcement - A piece of food drops at its

feet.

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

OR

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Skinner also applied this theory to the wayhumans acquire language.language is a formof behavior.

Example;

Baby is hungry (stimulus)->Baby cries (response)-> Milk is given (reinforcement)

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Baby soon learns that if he cries, milk will begiven

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Skinner

Reinforcement is very important in the earlystage of learning.

Correct behavior should be rewarded andmistakes are corrected immediately.

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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 thebetter the chances of learning it.

Learning takes place faster if the correctresponse toward stimulus is confirmed. Thelearner must know at once if his effort is right or

wrong (rewarded).

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

Producing the correct linguistic response alsorequires effort. If the learner is not called upon tomake this effort there is no learning.

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Cognitivism

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Cognitive psychologists challenge the limitations

of behaviorism in its focus on observablebehavior.

Emphasize on the learners and how theyorganize their knowledge.

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Instead of repetition and drills, cognitivists

propose teaching learners how to analyseproblems and how to think for themselves

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Chomsky

Critics Behaviourism Language is not a form of behaviour but an intricate

rule-based system.

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Chomsky argument

If language is learnt behaviour, young learners wouldnot utter these sentences;

-She cutted my paper.

-Father goed to work.

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

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Jean Piaget

Assimilation: it occurs when a child perceives newobjects or events in terms of existing schemes or

operations

Accommodation: it has occurred when existing

schemes or operations must be modified to accountfor a new experience.

Equilibration: it is the master developmental process,encompassing both assimilation and

accommodation.

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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 andmistakes were made.

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Cognitivists views

View errors as a sign of learning.

Classroom should be learner-centered.

Learners do not need to be correctedimmediately and directly.

Errors as integral part of learning.

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References

Purwarno Hadinata; Faculty of English Literature,Islamic University of North Sumatra, Medan,

Indonesia. http://purwarno-linguistics.blogspot.com/2005/12/behaviourist-approach.html

ELT Methodology, principles and practice. OxfordFajar

http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/w/x/wxh139/cogni

tive_1.htm

http://purwarno-linguistics.blogspot.com/2005/12/behaviourist-approach.htmlhttp://purwarno-linguistics.blogspot.com/2005/12/behaviourist-approach.htmlhttp://purwarno-linguistics.blogspot.com/2005/12/behaviourist-approach.htmlhttp://www.personal.psu.edu/users/w/x/wxh139/cognitive_1.htmhttp://www.personal.psu.edu/users/w/x/wxh139/cognitive_1.htmhttp://www.personal.psu.edu/users/w/x/wxh139/cognitive_1.htmhttp://www.personal.psu.edu/users/w/x/wxh139/cognitive_1.htmhttp://purwarno-linguistics.blogspot.com/2005/12/behaviourist-approach.htmlhttp://purwarno-linguistics.blogspot.com/2005/12/behaviourist-approach.htmlhttp://purwarno-linguistics.blogspot.com/2005/12/behaviourist-approach.htmlhttp://purwarno-linguistics.blogspot.com/2005/12/behaviourist-approach.htmlhttp://purwarno-linguistics.blogspot.com/2005/12/behaviourist-approach.html

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THE ENDThank You~!!!