THEORIES OF LANGUAGE LEARNING Cognitivism

FATIN DARATUL AIN FARHANA ATIQAH AINUL HAKIM HAMIZAH FARAH MUDRIKAH

Theories of Language Learning

The main goal of any teaching is to bring about

learning. Generally, we have not been able to say with certainty how people learn languages although a great deal of research has been done into this subject. Various theories have emerged over the years to study the process of language acquisition. The four main schools of thought which provide theoretical paradigms in guiding the course of language acquisition are: behaviourism, cognitivism, social constructivism and humanism.

Cognitivism
History In the 1950s there was a realization that behaviorism did not fully explain human learning. The term cognitivism refers to a group of psychological theories which draw heavily on the work in linguistics of Noam Chomsky. It replaced behaviourism in 1960s as a dominant paradigm. Cognitive theories of learning, based on empirical evidence, indicate that learning is a multi-faceted, complex and dynamic process. Cognitivism focus on the mind or black box and attempt to show how information is received, assimilated, stored and recalled. Cognitivism uses the metaphor of the mind as computer: information comes in, is being processed, and leads to certain outcomes.

 According to Cognitivists: people are not programmed animals that merely respond to environmental stimuli. People are rational beings that require active participation in order to learn, and whose actions are a consequence of thinking. Changes in behaviour are observed, but only as an indication of what is occurring in the learners head.

 Learning through Cognitivism Cognitivists view learning is as a process of relating new information to previously learned information, In other words, learning is defined as a change in the learners schemata. Learning is most likely to occur when an individual can associate new learning with previous knowledge. Individuals are actively involved in the learning process and can have control over their own learning. Errors are also accepted as part of the learning process.

 List of cognitivist principles quite often applied in

teaching and learning in the classroom:

Present information in an organized manner

Show a logical sequence to concepts Go from simple to complex when presenting new material

Bring to mind relevant prior learning Provide for review and repetition of learning Provide opportunities for students to elaborate on new information, e.g. inquiry-oriented projects Help students process information in meaningful ways so that they can become independent learners (Staged scaffolding)

Behaviourist vs. Cognitivist

Focus View about the mind Behaviourist A blank slate. Basically alike. Cognitivist An active organizer. Varied, with multiple intelligence and learning styles. Students participate in planning and goal-setting. Teacher teaches with variety. Learning is a motivator. Students are taught what and how

S-T Roles

Teacher plans and sets goals for learning. One best way of teaching. Reward is motivation. Students are taught what.

Motivation Curriculum content

Assessment

Teacher assess. Product is important.

Students are involved in peer and self-assessment. Product and process are important.