Analysis of Learning Experience with Theories of SLA Essay
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10 Pages
1. Introduction
Different from foreign language learning, second language acquisition (SLA) refers to “the learning of a nonnative language in the environment in which that language is spoken” (Gass, 2001, P. 5). According to the research timeline conducted by Myles (2010), the theories of second language acquisition date back to 1957 when Skinner (i.e., the representative of modern behaviorism) proposes stimulus-operant-response (S-O-R) theory emphasizing imitation and habit-formation, which is then intensely critiqued by Chomsky asserting that children are born with ability to acquire language and they can create new sentences besides imitation. Later, Krashen’s Monitor Model takes shape and his input hypothesis is further developed. …show more content…
Different from foreign language learning, second language acquisition (SLA) refers to “the learning of a nonnative language in the environment in which that language is spoken” (Gass, 2001, P. 5). According to the research timeline conducted by Myles (2010), the theories of second language acquisition date back to 1957 when Skinner (i.e., the representative of modern behaviorism) proposes stimulus-operant-response (S-O-R) theory emphasizing imitation and habit-formation, which is then intensely critiqued by Chomsky asserting that children are born with ability to acquire language and they can create new sentences besides imitation. Later, Krashen’s Monitor Model takes shape and his input hypothesis is further developed. …show more content…
As we know, each teaching method is supported by a teaching theory. The typical teaching method based on this theory is audio-lingual approach which is characterized by ‘mimicry and memorization’ (Lightbown & Spada, 2013, P. 95). For example, when learning exclamation, I was asked to make sentences following a fixed pattern like “What a beautiful flower it is!” or “How beautiful the flower is!” by replacing the nouns with another. Similarly, learning passive voice is just like a process of switching from active voice to passive voice and vice versa after the teacher presents the basic grammatical forms and rules. The patters offered are deemed as stimulus to which students should respond. Also the teacher gives corresponding prizes or punishment immediately as reinforcement to ensure definite correctness.
Although behaviorism plays an important role in EFL and ESL settings from the 1940s to 1970s, Lightbown and Spada (2013) notes that this theory is not enough to explain second language acquisition. Additionally, Williams and Burden (1997) mentions “this proved to be of limited value in accounting for the enormous range of human actions” (p. 9).
2.2 Krashen’s Theory
Krashen’s Monitor Model is full of importance and influence in the field of SLA in the 1970s. He (1982) describes five main hypotheses to summarize SLA theory. They are respectively the acquisition-learning distinction, the natural
Although behaviorism plays an important role in EFL and ESL settings from the 1940s to 1970s, Lightbown and Spada (2013) notes that this theory is not enough to explain second language acquisition. Additionally, Williams and Burden (1997) mentions “this proved to be of limited value in accounting for the enormous range of human actions” (p. 9).
2.2 Krashen’s Theory
Krashen’s Monitor Model is full of importance and influence in the field of SLA in the 1970s. He (1982) describes five main hypotheses to summarize SLA theory. They are respectively the acquisition-learning distinction, the natural