Psychological Learning Theories

Psychological Learning Theories

​Through the English Acquisition Process

Delve into the intricate interplay between psychological learning theories and the process of acquiring the English language. Our goal is to foster a comprehensive understanding of how various psychological theories influence and inform the acquisition of English as a second language. By exploring these theories, we aim to provide you, as educators, with valuable insights and practical applications to enhance your teaching methodologies and optimize the language learning experience for your students.

​Objective

In order to participate of this session, you have to go to Google Classroom and open the link shared by the teacher.

Open Ended

What do you know about the psychological learning theories?

A psychological learning theory is a framework or model that seeks to explain and understand how individuals acquire knowledge, skills, and behaviors through cognitive, emotional, and social processes. These theories are grounded in psychological principles and research, aiming to elucidate the mechanisms underlying learning and guide effective teaching strategies.

What is it?

Multiple Choice

What are some theorists that talk about this? ​

• Pavlov, Skinner,

  Piaget, Vygotsky

• Freud, Erikson, Gesell

• Newton, Einstein, Curie, Darwin

• Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, Kant

• Classical Conditioning, proposed by Ivan Pavlov, is a learning process where an association is formed between a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus, resulting in a conditioned response.

• Application to Learning English:

  • In the context of learning English, classical conditioning can be applied by associating English words or phrases (neutral stimulus) with positive experiences or known concepts (unconditioned stimulus).

​

Classical Conditioning Theory

​Associating the word "apple" (English vocabulary) with the image and taste of an actual apple (positive experience), reinforcing the understanding and retention of the English word.

• Operant Conditioning, theorized by B.F. Skinner, focuses on learning through consequences. Behavior is strengthened or weakened based on rewards (reinforcement) or punishments.

• Application to Learning English:

  • Utilizing positive reinforcement, such as praise or rewards, for correct usage of English, encourages students to engage and apply the language effectively.

Operant Conditioning Theory

Praising a student for constructing a grammatically accurate sentence in English, reinforcing the correct usage and encouraging further practice.

• Social Learning Theory by Albert Bandura emphasizes learning through observation, imitation, and modeling behaviors of others in social contexts.

Application to Learning English:

Learners acquire English language skills by observing and emulating fluent English speakers, imitating their pronunciation, intonation, and language use.

Social Learning Theory (Modeling)

Watching and imitating a native English speaker's conversational style and expressions, improving spoken English fluency and naturalness.

• Cognitive Theory focuses on mental processes like thinking, memory, problem-solving, and understanding, crucial for learning and comprehension.

• Application to Learning English:

  • Learners organize, process, and categorize English vocabulary and grammar mentally, facilitating effective language usage.

Cognitive Theory

Creating mental categories for English vocabulary, such as verbs, nouns, or adjectives, aiding in vocabulary retention and usage.

• Constructivist Theory suggests that learners construct knowledge and understanding through actively engaging with experiences and integrating new knowledge with existing ones.

• Application to Learning English:

  • Learning English occurs best when learners actively engage with the language through authentic and meaningful experiences, like conversations and real-world applications.

Constructivist Theory

Engaging students in a role-play scenario where they have to use English for a specific real-life situation, such as ordering food at a restaurant.

• Humanistic Theory emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and fulfilling one's potential, focusing on the individual's unique needs and aspirations.

• Application to Learning English:

  Fostering a positive and encouraging learning environment that values the learner's perspectives, goals, and progress in learning English.

Humanistic Theory

Encouraging students to set personal language learning goals, tailoring lessons to their interests, and providing positive feedback to boost confidence and motivation.

Match

Match the theory with its definition.

• Is formed between a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus, resulting in a conditioned response.

• Focuses on learning through consequences (positive or negative reinforcement)

• Emphasizes learning through observation, imitation.

• Focuses on mental processes like thinking, memory, problem-solving, and understanding.

• Learners construct knowledge through new experiences and integrating new knowledge with existing ones.

Classical Conditioning Theory

Operant Conditioning Theory

Social Learning Theory

Cognitive Theory

Constructivist Theory

• Classical Conditioning Theory

• Operant Conditioning Theory

• Social Learning Theory

• Cognitive Theory

• Constructivist Theory

ENGLISH LEARNING PROCESS
THEORIES

• Krashen's theory states that language acquisition occurs through exposure to comprehensible input in a low-anxiety environment. He distinguishes between "acquisition" (subconscious, informal learning) and "learning" (formal, conscious knowledge of grammar rules).

• Application to Learning English:

  Providing an immersive and supportive English-language environment for learners, where they are exposed to understandable and meaningful English input in various contexts.

Krashen's Theory of Second Language Acquisition

Creating an English-language immersion program where students are exposed to everyday English conversations, books, and media to naturally acquire language without explicit grammar instruction.

• Vygotsky's theory emphasizes the role of social interaction and cultural context in cognitive development. The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) highlights the difference between what a learner can do alone versus with assistance.

• Application to Learning English:

  Encouraging collaborative learning and peer interactions in the English learning environment to promote language development within the ZPD.

Vygotsky's Socio-Cultural Theory

Group discussions where students collaborate to solve problems or complete tasks in English, providing peer guidance and assistance.

• The Grammar-Translation Method is a traditional approach that emphasizes the explicit teaching of grammar rules, translation exercises, and rote memorization of vocabulary. It focuses on reading and writing in the target language.

• Application to Learning English:

  Applying the Grammar-Translation Method involves systematic instruction of English grammar rules, translation exercises between the native language and English, and vocabulary memorization.

The Grammar-Translation Method

Providing English sentences and their translations in the students' native language, asking them to analyze the grammatical structures and understand the translation equivalents.

• The Audio-Lingual Method is a behaviorist approach focusing on habit formation and pattern repetition through listening and speaking exercises. It emphasizes memorization, drills, and mimicry.

• Application to Learning English:

  Employing repetitive drills, dialogues, and audio exercises to reinforce language patterns and correct pronunciation in English.

The Audio-Lingual

Repeating and practicing English phrases and dialogues through interactive language apps or audio materials.

Draw

Draw the English Learning Theory that best matches your teaching style.