TESL Quiz #1

What is Behaviorism?

A theory that suggests children learn language through their surroundings, imitation, forming habits, and practice.

What theorist belongs to behaviorism?

B.F. Skinner

What did B.F. Skinner believe?

Reinforcement supports language habits

What is Innatism?

A theory that suggests children are not taught language, but rather they are born with intuitive knowledge that helps them develop it.

What theorist belongs to Innatism?

Noam Chompsky

What does Chompsky believe?

Humans are pre-wired for language learning which makes it possible to learn the specific language of the environment.

What is the Critical Period Hypothesis?

There is a limited period during which language acquisition can occur. It aligns with innatism.

What is Constructivism/Interactionism?

A theory that suggests children learn through social interactions they have with others and their environment. Child-directed speech is used during the interaction by the older individual.

What theorist(s) belong to Constructivism/Interactionism?

Vygotsky and Piaget

What did Vygotsky believe?

Zone of Proximal Development = The level a language learner is capable of through social interactions.

Sociocultural Theory of Human Processing = Learners learn solely through interactions.

What did Piaget believe?

Language is a symbol for the language children have acquired through interactions. both physical and social.