This document summarizes five major theories of historical methods for instructing English language learners: First Language Theories, Cognitive Learning Theories, Experience Theories, Social Theories, and Socio-Cultural Theories. First Language Theories focus on language drills, error correction, and reinforcing correct English. Cognitive Learning Theories emphasize that language practice needs to be meaningful, teaching grammar rules before practice, and using real language. Experience Theories center on students learning a second language through using it and focusing on acquisition rather than learning. Social Theories consider the social distance between first and second languages and increasing cultural experiences and opportunities to know the second language culture. Socio-Cultural Theories involve scaffolding student conversations

1. Historical Methods for
Instructing English
Language Learners
Socio Cultural
Theories
Social Theories
Experience Theories
Cognitive Learning
Theories
First Language
Theories

2. First Language
Theories
Language drills and repetition of
target language sounds
Correction of errors
Reinforce correct English to form
habits

3. Cognitive
Language
Theories
Language practice needs to be
meaningful
Learn grammar rules before
practicing
Real language practice to gain
automatic control of the language

4. Experience
Theories
Students learn L2 by using L2
L2 acquisition is the focus, as
opposed to L2 learning
Teachers use high-interest
listening and reading materials for
input to learning
The affective filter, how a student
feels about learning the language,
affects the outcome
Scaffold students’ conversations

5. Social Theories
Social distance between L1 and L2
will impact acculturation, or use of
L2
Increase cultural experience and
opportunities to know L2 culture
Decrease psychological distance
from L2
Low psychological distance leads
to learning of L2
Learn and interact with members
of L2 culture

6. Socio Cultural
Theories
Scaffold students’ conversation
with zone of proximal
development
Encourage students to use a
variety of tools for L2 learning
Allow learners to be in control of
their learning
There is a discrepancy between
social use of L2 and cognitive use
of L2

7. I Plan to be Eclectic and Use Bits and Pieces
of all Theories
First
Language
Theories
Cognitive
Learning
Theories
Experience
Theories
Social
Theories
Socio
Cultural
Theories
The
Eclectic
Approach

8. Cynthia Brown
TESOL 504
February 28, 2014
Sources:
Horwitz, E. K. (2013). Becoming a Language Teacher: A Practical Guide
to Second Language Learning and Teaching (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle
River, NJ: Pearson.
Herrera, S. G., & Murray, K. G. (2011). Mastering ESL and Bilingual
Methods: Differentiated Instruction for Culturally and Linguistically
Diverse (CLD) Students (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

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