Theories
Behaviourism Mentalism
Founders - Ivan Pavlov
- John. B. Waston
- Edward Thorndike
- Skinner
Definition/core principles also known as behavioural
psychology, a theory of
learning based on the idea
that all behaviours are
acquired through
conditioning. Conditioning
occurs through interaction
with the environment.
Application
Strengths The behaviourist
explanations for langauge
acquisition offer a reasonable
way of understanding how
children learn some of the
regular and routine aspects of
Constructivism
- Noam Chomsky - Jean Piaget
- Vygosky
Mentalism/cognitivism is a A learner actively
learning theory according to builds/constructs his/her own
which mental processes knowledge - and continually
mediate learning. rebuilds it to account for info
that dosen’t fit the old
knowledge.
- Problem-solving task - used to teach higher-order
- Activities associated with thinking skills (HOTS): role-
the learners’ specialism. playing/stimulating, debating
controversial current events.
- Problem-based learning.
Can explain children’s
acquisition of the more
grammatical structures of the
language.
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 language.
Weaknesses - Children’s acquisition of
the more grammatical
structures of the language
cannot be explained by this
theory.
Summary - Very influential in 1940s &
1950s, especially in USA.
- Language learning is the
result of imitation, practice,
feedback on success&habit
formation.
- A behaviour will only occur
If given the right
environment or antecedent.
- The behaviour is more or
less likely to reoccur based
on the reinforcement or
consequences that follow:
rewards and punishments…
Affective factors:
- Humans are born with an
innate “blue print” for
langauge.
- Children acquire language
as quickly and effortlessly.
- The brain as a part
dedicated to language
acquiition.
- General cognitive function
is used to acquire language.
- Using mental strategies.
- Learners are invited to
analyse langauge, notice
patterns, deduce rules.
- Constuctivism creates
meaning form experience.
- Learning is more effective
when associated with
problem/concept.
- Constructivism motivates
your ss by making them take
more active role.
- Constructivism utilises
interactive teaching
strategies to create
meaningful contexts that help
ss construct knowledge based
on own experiences.
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