THEORETICAL IDEAS ABOUT HOW WE LEARN LANGUAGE
So, how do children learn language?
Language acquisition is the process by which humans acquire the capacity to perceive and comprehend language, as well as to produce and use words and sentences to communicate (Emmit et al. 2010). There are a number of theorists who's views of how children learn have shaped our practice and pedagogical approach which are intertwined into our webpage. The three most recognised theoretical perspectives are outlined below:
- The behaviourist view focuses on learning behaviours through
reinforcement over time, often through conditioning and the use
of rewards (Cox, 2011). Whilst this is a relatively out- dated approach,
aspects still remain in classrooms today and can still be effective.
- Cox (2011) states that the sociocultural approach suggests that language development is a social process through which
humans learn by hearing or seeing demonstrations of the language they are learning. Vygotsky and Piaget are renowned
theorists who support this theory.
- The cognitivist view is one held by renowned theorist Noam Chomsky, who proposes that language is a conscious and
reasoned thinking process involving the use of learning strategies. Chomsky proposes that there is something unique about the
human ability to acquire language, which other animals lack. He calls this, the language acquisition device (LAD). This approach
suggests that children also learn through role modelling, imitation and feedback from others (Cox, 2011, p.2).
What does this mean for my child?
Each child in the classroom will have individual learning requirements and preferences, which is why teachers ensure planning of activities provides engaging experiences for all types of learners in order to expand students understanding of language. For your child to successfully learn language it is essential that the teacher recognise their preferred learning style, in order to develop enriching tasks that will ultimately impart knowledge effectively and meet the learning requirements of your child. As parents, it is important to understand as a parent that children develop in different stages and at different speeds, and that teachers are required to cater for a broad group of abilities within levels as well as preferred learning styles. If parents are able to identify the preferred learning style of their child, they will be able to assist in learning outside of school.
Practical example
Below is a video we recorded of a class of level three students undertaking an activity called 'Kung fu Punctuation'. As learning punctuation can often be complicated and challenging for students, 'kung fu punctuation' allows for students to actively partake in a fun activity which scaffolds their learning. This activity is an example of a behaviourist approach to learning grammar and punctuation with aspects of a sociocultural approach also evident. The students are demonstrating reinforced behaviour which is in response to a stimulus. They are also scaffolding their learning by and the teacher has modelled the movements for the students which is supportive of a sociocultural approach to learning.
Language acquisition is the process by which humans acquire the capacity to perceive and comprehend language, as well as to produce and use words and sentences to communicate (Emmit et al. 2010). There are a number of theorists who's views of how children learn have shaped our practice and pedagogical approach which are intertwined into our webpage. The three most recognised theoretical perspectives are outlined below:
- The behaviourist view focuses on learning behaviours through
reinforcement over time, often through conditioning and the use
of rewards (Cox, 2011). Whilst this is a relatively out- dated approach,
aspects still remain in classrooms today and can still be effective.
- Cox (2011) states that the sociocultural approach suggests that language development is a social process through which
humans learn by hearing or seeing demonstrations of the language they are learning. Vygotsky and Piaget are renowned
theorists who support this theory.
- The cognitivist view is one held by renowned theorist Noam Chomsky, who proposes that language is a conscious and
reasoned thinking process involving the use of learning strategies. Chomsky proposes that there is something unique about the
human ability to acquire language, which other animals lack. He calls this, the language acquisition device (LAD). This approach
suggests that children also learn through role modelling, imitation and feedback from others (Cox, 2011, p.2).
What does this mean for my child?
Each child in the classroom will have individual learning requirements and preferences, which is why teachers ensure planning of activities provides engaging experiences for all types of learners in order to expand students understanding of language. For your child to successfully learn language it is essential that the teacher recognise their preferred learning style, in order to develop enriching tasks that will ultimately impart knowledge effectively and meet the learning requirements of your child. As parents, it is important to understand as a parent that children develop in different stages and at different speeds, and that teachers are required to cater for a broad group of abilities within levels as well as preferred learning styles. If parents are able to identify the preferred learning style of their child, they will be able to assist in learning outside of school.
Practical example
Below is a video we recorded of a class of level three students undertaking an activity called 'Kung fu Punctuation'. As learning punctuation can often be complicated and challenging for students, 'kung fu punctuation' allows for students to actively partake in a fun activity which scaffolds their learning. This activity is an example of a behaviourist approach to learning grammar and punctuation with aspects of a sociocultural approach also evident. The students are demonstrating reinforced behaviour which is in response to a stimulus. They are also scaffolding their learning by and the teacher has modelled the movements for the students which is supportive of a sociocultural approach to learning.
Note: please watch the video in high definition.
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