Learning theories
Learning theories I. Behaviourism * developed by psychologist Skinner * applied the theory of conditioning to the way humans acquire their 1st language * language considered to be a form of behaviour * everything is learnt through a 3-stage procedure: a) **stimulus** – is offered; we get a response from Ss b) **response** c) **reinforcement/reward** – repetition of everything that has been done Language is based on: * imitation * experience * selective conditioning “Language habits” formed by constant repetition. * repetition triggers habits * mistakes are immediately criticized * good results immediately paid/praised * repetition + memorization The result of the theory is to be stimulated through methods: a) The audio-lingual method * the main goal is acquisition of a practical set of communicative skills and also working the language Teacher goals: * attention is given to pronunciation and rhythm * it also emphasizes face-to-face speaking * the main idea of ...