need to be met in order for these learning processes to be activated
Task3
Work in groups of 4. Brainstorm the answers to the two questions stated above.
When you are ready, join another group and share your ideas. Although these two questions have never been satisfactorily answered, a vast amount of research has been done from all aspects. The research can be broadly divided into process-oriented theories and condition-oriented theories. Process-oriented theories are concerned with how the mind organizes new information such as habit formation, induction, making inference, hypothesis testing and generalization. Condition-oriented theories emphasize the nature of the human and physical context in which language learning takes place, such as the number of students, the kind of input learners receive, and the atmosphere. Some researchers attempt to formulate teaching approaches directly from these theories. For example, the Natural Approach, Total Physical Response, and the Silent Way are based on one or more dimensions of processes and conditions. At this level, it is too early to formulate a specific approach, because some aspects are still too vague, for example, what is done in these processes.
Behaviorist theory
The behaviorist theory of language learning was initiated by behavioural psychologist Skinner, who applied Watson and Raynor’s theory of
conditioning to the way human acquire language (Harmer, 1983). Based on their experiments, Watson and Raynor formulated a stimulus-response theory of psychology. In this theory all complex forms of behavior—motions, habits and such—are seen as composed of simple muscular and glandular elements that can be observed and measured. They claimed that emotional reactions are learned in much the same way as other skills. The key point of the theory of conditioning is that ‘you can train an animal to do anything (within reason) if you follow a certain procedure which has three major stages, stimulus, response, and reinforcement’ (Harmer, 1983:30).
Based on the theory of conditioning, Skinner suggested that language is also a form of behavior. It can be learned the same way as an animal is trained to respond to stimuli. This theory of learning is referred to as behaviorism, which was adopted for some time by the language teaching profession, particularly in the . One influential result is the audio-lingual method, which involves endless’ listen and repeat’ drilling activities. The idea of this method is that language is learned by constant repetition and the reinforcement of the teacher. Mistakes were immediately corrected, and correct utterances were immediately praised. This method is still used in many parts of the world today.
Cognitive theory
The term cognitivism is often used loosely to describe methods in which students are asked to think rather than simply repeat. It seems to be largely the result of Noam Chomsky’s reaction to Skinner’s behaviorist theory, which led to the revival of structural linguistics. The key point
of Chomsky’s theory is reflected in his most famous question: if all language is a learned behavior, how can a child produce a sentence that never been said by others before
According to Chomsky, language is not a form of behavior, it is an intricate rule-based system and a large part of language acquisition is the learning of this system. There are a finite number of grammatical rules in the system and with a knowledge of these an infinite number of sentences can be produced. A language learner acquires language competence which enables him to produce language.
Though Chomsky’s theory is not directly applied in language teaching, it has had a great impact on the profession. One influential idea is that students should be allowed to create their own sentences based on their understanding of certain rules. This idea is clearly in opposition to the audio-lingual method.
Although people are pretty much still in the dark as to what language is and how language is learned, it is believed that general knowledge about language and language learning will help language teachers do a better job.
Constructivist theory
The constructivist theory believes that learning is a process in which the learner constructs meaning based on his/her own experiences and what he/she already knows. Although constructivist theory was not developed for the understanding of language learning, it is widely applicable to learning in general. It is believed that education is used to develop the
mind, not just to rote recall what is learned. John Dewey provided a foundation for constructivism. He believed that teaching should be built based on what learners already knew and engage learners in learning activities. Teachers need to design environments and interact with learners to foster inventive, creative, critical learners. Therefore, teachers must balance an understanding of the habits, characteristics as well as personalities of individual learners with an understanding of the means of arousing learner’s interests and curiosity for learning (Archambault, 1964).
Socio-constructivist theory
Similar to constructivist theory, socio-constructivist theory represented by Vygotsky (1978) emphasizes interaction and engagement with the target language in a social context based on the concept of ‘Zone of Proximal Development’ (ZPD) and scaffolding. In other words, learning is best achieved through the dynamic interaction between the teacher and the learner and between learners. With the teacher’s scaffolding through questions and explanations, or with a more capable peer’s support, the learner can move to a higher level of understanding and extend his/her skills and knowledge and knowledge to the fullest potential.
What makes a good language teacher
Some people with an excellent command of a foreign language may not be able to teach the language well while others with a general command of the language can teach it very effectively. What do you think might account for this phenomenon Task 4
Work in groups. Reflect on your own learning experience from early school years to the university. Have you had an excellent English teacher Try to identify as many qualities as possible of your best English teacher(s). Note down all the qualities that you think are important for a good English teacher. It is clear that whether someone can become a good foreign language teacher does not solely depend on his\\her command of the language. There are a variety of elements that contributes to the qualities of a good language teacher. These elements can be categorized into three groups: ethic devotion, professional qualities and personal styles (Parrot, 1993). Task 5
Ethic devotion, professional qualities and personal styles jointly contribute to the making of a good English teacher. All the adjectives in the box below could be used to characterize these three aspects.
1. Work in groups of 4 and decide which adjectives describe ethic devotion, which describe personal styles and which describe professional qualities. Please write your answers on a separate piece of paper. 2. Add any adjectives to the list which describe further qualities that you feel are missing.
3. These adjectives are intended to describe positive qualities or styles. Do you feel that any of them could have a negative side as well If yes, in what way For example, an authoritative teacher may make the students
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