Theories

Who developed the Behaviourist Theory of language acquisition?

B. F. Skinner.

What is the main idea of the Behaviourist Theory?

Children learn language through imitation, repetition, and reinforcement.

What are the key words for Behaviourist Theory?

Imitation, repetition, and reinforcement.

Which teaching strategies align with Behaviourist Theory?

Modelling, repetition, practice, and praise.

A teacher praises a child each time they correctly use a new word. Which theory best explains this?

Behaviourist Theory (Skinner).

Who developed the Nativist Theory?

Noam Chomsky.

What is the main idea of the Nativist Theory?

Children are born with an innate ability to acquire language.

What are the key words for the Nativist Theory?

Innate ability, born with language, and Language Acquisition Device (LAD).

A teacher believes children naturally acquire language without being directly taught every rule. Which theory supports this?

Nativist Theory (Chomsky).

Who developed the Cognitive Theory?

Jean Piaget.

What is the main idea of the Cognitive Theory?

Language develops alongside children's cognitive development.

What are the key words for Cognitive Theory?

Thinking, cognition, and cognitive development comes first.

A child's language becomes more complex as their thinking develops. Which theory best explains this?

Cognitive Theory (Piaget).

Who developed the Social Interactionist Theory?

Lev Vygotsky and Jerome Bruner.

What is the main idea of the Social Interactionist Theory?

Children develop language through meaningful social interactions with others.

What are the key words for Social Interactionist Theory?

Social interaction, scaffolding, ZPD, MKO, and LASS.

Who is the More Knowledgeable Other (MKO)?

A person with greater knowledge or skills who supports a child's learning.

What is the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)?

The difference between what a child can do independently and what they can achieve with support.

What is scaffolding?

Temporary support that helps a child learn a new skill until they can do it independently.

What is the Language Acquisition Support System (LASS)?

The support provided by adults and the environment to help children develop language.

A teacher asks guiding questions and gradually reduces support as a child gains confidence. Which theory best explains this?

Social Interactionist Theory (Vygotsky & Bruner).

Who developed the Functional Model of Language?

Michael Halliday.

What is Halliday's main idea?

Children learn language because they use it for different purposes in meaningful situations.

What are the key words for Halliday's theory?

Language for purpose, making meaning, real-life situations, and communication.

According to Halliday, how do children learn language?

By using language in meaningful interactions rather than memorising grammar.

How many functions of language did Halliday identify?

Seven.

What are Halliday's seven functions of language?

Instrumental, Regulatory, Interactional, Personal, Heuristic, Imaginative, and Representational.

Which Halliday function is used to satisfy wants and needs?

Instrumental.

Which Halliday function is used to control others' behaviour?

Regulatory.

Which Halliday function is used to build relationships?

Interactional.

Which Halliday function is used to express feelings or opinions?

Personal.

Which Halliday function is used to ask questions and investigate?

Heuristic.

Which Halliday function is used during pretend play?

Imaginative.

Which Halliday function is used to give information?

Representational.

What is EYLF Outcome 5?

Children are effective communicators.

What does EYLF Outcome 5 recognise about communication?

Children communicate from birth through many forms, not just spoken or written language.

According to the EYLF, what forms of communication do children use?

Gestures, sounds, speech, facial expressions, movement, and assisted communication.

According to the EYLF, literacy includes more than reading and writing. What else does it include?

Talking, listening, viewing, music, movement, dance, storytelling, drama, media, and visual arts.

What are the three language modes identified by ACARA?

Speaking & Listening, Reading & Viewing, and Writing & Creating.

What is ACARA's key message about the language modes?

They are interrelated and should be taught together rather than separately.

What are the three strands of the English curriculum?

Language, Literature, and Literacy.

What is the Language strand?

How English works.

What is the Literature strand?

Understanding and creating literary texts.

What is the Literacy strand?

Using language effectively to communicate for different purposes.

What are the five stages of the planning cycle?

Observe, Assess, Plan, Implement, and Evaluate.

Why is observation the first step of the planning cycle?

It provides information about children's strengths, interests, and learning needs before teaching is planned.

Which theory places the greatest emphasis on imitation and reinforcement?

Behaviourist Theory.

Which theory places the greatest emphasis on innate ability?

Nativist Theory.

Which theory places the greatest emphasis on cognitive development?

Cognitive Theory.

Which theory places the greatest emphasis on social interaction?

Social Interactionist Theory.

Which theory places the greatest emphasis on language for purpose?

Halliday's Functional Model.

What is the biggest difference between Behaviourist Theory and Nativist Theory?

Behaviourist Theory says language is learned through reinforcement, while Nativist Theory says children are born with an innate ability for language.

What is the biggest difference between Cognitive Theory and Social Interactionist Theory?

Cognitive Theory emphasises thinking and development, while Social Interactionist Theory emphasises learning through interaction with others.

What is the biggest difference between Halliday's theory and the Behaviourist Theory?

Halliday believed children learn language by using it for meaningful purposes, while Behaviourist Theory focuses on imitation and reinforcement.

If an exam question mentions praise and rewards, which theory should you think of first?

Behaviourist Theory.

If an exam question mentions children being born ready to learn language, which theory should you think of first?

Nativist Theory.

If an exam question mentions thinking and cognitive development, which theory should you think of first?

Cognitive Theory.

If an exam question mentions scaffolding, ZPD or MKO, which theory should you think of first?

Social Interactionist Theory.

If an exam question mentions using language for different purposes, which theory should you think of first?

Halliday's Functional Model.