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 the method is that dialogues and speaking drills are minimized

* explanations are not given; students have practical patterns in a variety of contexts

* through this method grammar is inductively developed

* dialogues are the main means of presenting language

* the dialogue teaches a fixed set of structures

* students learn a skill not by studying the rules first, but by practice

* students learn patterns through the structures without reading the rules

b) The natural method

* derives from the assumption that acquisition of language in natural situations is beneficial

* the learner acquires language in the classroom and is expected to use it outside the classroom in real life

II.  Cognitivism

* a psychologic theory based on the relationship which exists between learning and knowledge of linguistic structures

* learner works upon improving the amount of linguistic structures expected to develop independence and responsibility in learning

Characteristics

* learner-centered theory of language

* learner is never enough to tell criteria

* learner works upon improving the amount of linguistic structures

* learner acquires independence and responsibility in learning

Theories Chomsky

a) the learner learns effectively by experiencing activities and discovering

b) working in groups - (the teacher evaluates the knowledge of each individual: skills, needs, learning styles, personalities, interests)

c) awareness (Ss become more conscious about the learning and the attitudes he has to display)

d) individual responsibility (Ss become responsible for their learning)

e) alternatives (Ss know there are alternatives in activities and in the teaching process)

III.  Krashen’s acquisition theory

* made distinction between acquisition and learning

* based on some hypotheses

1. The comprehensible input hypothesis

* successful acquisition depends on the nature of the language input which the Ss receive

* depends on the individual learner in specific language settings

* acquisition of syntax results from a quantity of exposure to structures beyond the learner’s present competence

* the learner should have comprehensible input offered in a meaningful context

 2. The natural order hypothesis

* elements of morphology and syntax will be fully acquired in a generally invariant order and relative to each other

 3. The monitor hypothesis

* insists on the major role or direct benefits of a defined type of metalinguistic instruction

* insists on the useful role of monitoring in the classroom

4. The effective filter hypothesis

* defines the factors that facilitate or inhibit the process of learning

* anxiety and motivation differ from learner to learner

This theory stays at the basis of the **natural approach**.

IV) Humanistic approaches

* take into consideration the Ss as a whole learner

* teaching does not only mean teaching language, but also helping Ss to develop themselves as people

* the main idea = development of Ss personality and encouragement

* feelings are very important

* insist on the development of Ss creativity and autonomy in learning

The  humanistic theory influenced the following methods:

1. Community language teaching

* human learning is both cognitive and affective

* learning takes place in a communicative situation in which learners are involved in interaction

there are some stages:

  * feeling of security – first established; Ss get support from T

  * learner achieves independence from the T

  * learner is secure enough to tell criteria

  * learner works upon improving the amount of linguistic structures

  * learners are expected to develop independence and responsibility in learning

2. Suggestopedia - the best way

3. The silent approach -  Total physical response

The theory of learning includes:

i) task-based learning

ii) cooperative learning

iii) interactive learning

iv) self-directed learning

→ all deal with the communicative approach

 **Did. lit. engl. (c) Borda Elena**

### Relații lexicale

* sinonimie

* omonimie

* antonimie

### Semantică

### Limbaj figurativ

* argou

* jargon

* slang

Valori stilistice ale:

* sinonimiei

* omonimiei

* hiponimiei

Autori:

* Leonardi – *Lexicologie*

* Horia Hulban – *Lexicologie, Iași*

* personificări

* repetiții

* paralelism lexical și sintactic

* tipuri de imagini

* analiza discursului/genurilor