Important People FTCE Spanish K-12

Jean Piaget

was a developmental psychologist known for his theory of cognitive development in children.
Key concepts:

• Four stages of cognitive development (sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, formal operational)

• Constructivism: Children actively construct knowledge through experiences

What is B.F. Skinner’s main contribution to learning theory?

was a behaviorist known for his theory of operant conditioning, which explains learning as a result of reinforcement and punishment.
Key concepts:

• Behaviorism

• Positive and negative reinforcement

• Behavior shaping through consequences

Noam Chomsky

known for his Universal Grammar theory and his criticism of behaviorist views on language learning.
Key concepts:

• Humans are biologically programmed to learn language

• Language Acquisition Device (LAD)

• Syntax and generative grammar

Jerome Bruner’s

was a cognitive psychologist who emphasized discovery learning and the role of culture and scaffolding in education.
Key concepts:

• Scaffolding

• Spiral curriculum

• Active, hands-on learning

Stephen Krashen

known for his theories on how people learn second languages, especially the Input Hypothesis.
Key concepts:

• Comprehensible input ("i + 1")

• Affective filter (emotions can impact learning)

• Acquisition vs. learning