Learning Theories and Their Impact on Language Acquisition

1. Learning Theories and Their Influence on Learning

Behaviorism (Motivation through Rewards and Punishments)

Behaviorism is a learning theory based on the idea that learning occurs through pleasurable or painful consequences (positive/negative reinforcers and punishments). It focuses on controlling and developing motivation.

Cognitivism (Memorization and Information Processing)

Cognitivism explores how information is received, organized, stored, and retrieved by the mind through the processes of retention and recall. It aims to increase lexical items and improve memory.

Constructivism (Creating Your Own Knowledge)

Constructivism emphasizes the creation of knowledge from experiences and ideas. It encourages peer group/class discussions and allows students to personalize their learning.

How Does Constructivism Influence Learning?

Constructivism influences learning because students learn best by "constructing" new ideas based on comparisons with current and previous knowledge. Learning becomes an active process where students share their experiences through class discussions and learn from each other, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

2. Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT)

Origins and Motto

TBLT emerged from the need to bridge the gap between understanding grammar rules and effectively communicating using that knowledge in real-life situations. Its motto is "Learning by doing" and emphasizes practical application through tasks like writing reports or participating in discussions.

Parts of TBLT

• Pre-task: Building background knowledge
• While-task: Developing written/spoken understanding
• Language Work: Focusing on structure and usage
• Post-task: Applying knowledge to real-world situations

3. Enhancing Learning: Three Teacher Strategies

1. Real-World Application: Provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in real-world situations, such as practicing communication skills for a trip.
2. Student-Centered Approach: Be aware of students' individual needs and learning styles, tailoring instruction to meet their specific requirements.
3. Optimal Challenge: Challenge students by presenting them with tasks that are only one level above their current knowledge (i+1), promoting gradual and effective learning.

4. Background Knowledge and Its Importance in Learning

What is Background Knowledge?

Background knowledge (BGK) refers to the prior knowledge we possess, the information we have previously acquired. It serves as a foundation for understanding new concepts.

Importance of Background Knowledge

Background knowledge is crucial because it helps us comprehend new tasks and ideas by connecting old and new information through retrieval. It facilitates the integration of new learning into our existing knowledge framework.

5. Assimilation, Accommodation, and Equilibration in Piaget's Cognitive Constructivism

Piaget's theory of cognitive constructivism describes how we adapt to new information through three processes:

• Assimilation: Integrating new experiences into existing schemas (mental frameworks).
• Accommodation: Modifying existing schemas or creating new ones to accommodate information that doesn't fit into existing schemas.
• Equilibration: Achieving a balance between assimilation and accommodation, leading to a stable understanding of a concept.

Example

a) A student initially understands "will" as indicating future certainty (e.g., "She will play soccer."). When encountering "may" which expresses possibility, the student needs to accommodate this new information by creating a new schema or modifying the existing one to differentiate between certainty and possibility.

b) Once the student understands the distinction between "may" and "will" and can use them appropriately, equilibration has been achieved, demonstrating a balanced understanding of these modal verbs.