Sunday, August 22, 2010

Chapter 3: Views of Teaching and Learning


From the perspective of Behaviorists, language learning is a process of habit formation through imitation and reinforcement. Students are expected to establish a set of acceptable habits in the target language through repetition, and rote memorization. The class is heavily teacher-centered. In contrast, cogntivists encompass more dynamic attributes of language. As a language instructor I highly value cognitive methods in teaching learners equipped with basic knowledge of vocabularies and grammar rules. Viewing language functioning as a higher-order mental process, a cognitivist view of learning focuses on teaching students how to learn” (Díaz-Rico, 2008). Teachers use thought-provoking questions and provide cognitive training that can help students develop their confidence in their ability to think and enhance critical thinking skills. The cognitive approach and its offshoots such as constructivism lend good support for brain-compatible learning.

Humanistic approach centers on building a learner’s self-esteem and learner autonomy. Thus, learning is learner-centered with a learner taking responsibility for one’s own learning. I like the way a teacher acts as a facilitator of learning, not limited to imparting knowledge in humanistic approach. Humanistic approach also values learners’ affective needs including increasing motivation, lowering anxiety, building supportive environments, etc. A humanist teacher does not depend on both praise and blame. Rather, a teacher might give encouraging, inspirational advice to students who are experiencing problems. In this way, a teacher helps students feel good about themselves; thus, have confidence in their ability.

Response to Meyoung Noh
I like the way Meyoung pointed out the breadth and depth of education in line with other disciplines. "Education is the key not only to survival but also to prosperity. Humans try to figure out how to teach is more effective and efficient (p. 34). The philosophical, psychological, anthropological, sociological, and postmodern instructions are reviewed. English instruction is aligned with those beliefs and norms.” It reminds us that we, as educators, are responsible for human development. We need to make an endeavor to motivate students in a supportive, non-threatening learning environment. Now is the time, we need to focus on facilitating students’ learning process, helping them to be more responsible and active based on consultation and communication with students.

Response to Julien Sanghyo Park
Julien highlighted the utility of Cognitive Methods in comparison with Behaviorist approach. “Students are not only taught “what” but also “how” and participate in planning and goal setting. Teachers motivate students by a variety of ways and stimulate students’ imaginations and critical thinking skills.” I agree with that Cognitive Methods enhance students’ critical and creative thinking abilities. She added that Cognitive methods can lead to learner-centeredness. Along with Cognitive methods, when an affective and a social domain are integrated into lesson, leaner autonomy and learner-centeredness can be enhanced, I believe.

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