The document outlines different approaches to language teaching from 1900 to today. It discusses behaviorism from 1900-1950 which viewed language as a system of sounds, words and sentences learned through practice and repetition with a focus on drills. From 1960-1980, generative linguistics emerged which saw language as systematic and best learned through detailed grammar explanations. Constructivism from 1980 to today holds that language is socially constructed through interactions and cooperative learning activities like group work.

1. Mr. Negrete
October 2011

2. To make better
lesson plans
focused on
problem areas of
learning.
To develop
methods &
techniques that
best suit their
students’ needs.
To realize that
only one type of
learning may
not be enough.

3. BEHAVIORISM
STRUCTURAL LINGUISTICS
1900 - 1950
COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
GENERATIVE LINGUISTICS
1960 - 1980
CONSTRUCTIVISM
SOCIOLINGUISTICS
1980 – Today

4. The language system is formed by sounds, words and
sentences; learned through practice & repetition.
1900 - 1950
Teacher produces the stimuli and SS the response.
 Students learn to use correct forms & vocabulary through reinforcement.
 Teachers give positive feedback and respond negatively to incorrect forms.
 Grammar is not taught explicitly.
 Correct grammar is reinforced through teacher execution.
Favors activities such as;
Drills
Pattern Practice

5. Language is viewed as systematic and not simply learned
through habit-forming procedures.
1960 - 1980
Teachers give detailed explanations of grammar &
structure because they believe it helps learning.
The learning process involves:
 perception
 motivation
 experience
This approach favors these
learning tools:
 Logic
 Reason
 Exploration
 Inference
SS engage in meaningful practice of the grammar & structure taught by the teacher.

6. Language learning happens when SS engage in social
interactions.
1980 – Today
Cooperative learning is the center of class activities.
Knowledge is socially constructed.
It is built by sharing and communicating
with each other and by interacting with the
environment.
It is a multidisciplinary approach because
it combines linguistic, psychological and
sociological ideas.
There is little explanation of grammar &
structure by the teacher and teamwork is
encouraged .
Language learning involves:
 Communication
 Exchange of ideas
 Participation in
meaningful tasks
Classroom Activities include:
 Group / pair work
 discussions
 information sharing
 Classroom – Studnt talks

7. Language learning happens when SS engage in social
interactions.
1980 – Today
Cooperative learning is the center of class activities.
Knowledge is socially constructed.
It is built by sharing and communicating
with each other and by interacting with the
environment.
It is a multidisciplinary approach because
it combines linguistic, psychological and
sociological ideas.
There is little explanation of grammar &
structure by the teacher and teamwork is
encouraged .
Language learning involves:
 Communication
 Exchange of ideas
 Participation in
meaningful tasks
Classroom Activities include:
 Group / pair work
 discussions
 information sharing
 Classroom – Studnt talks