The cognitive theorists help teachers understand how
the students are processing new information,
connections they are making to prior knowledge, and
what beliefs students have about learning the second
language. The cognitive theories believe that learning is
an active, dynamic process. This approach is learner
centered rather than teacher centered.
Method
CALLA
Focuses on what is going on in students' minds
rather than a response to stimuli
3 Main Components
1. Topics from the Major Content Subjects
Aligned with state standards as well as TESOL standards
2. Academic Language Development
Developing all 4 language domains
through cognitvely demanding activities
3. Learning Strategies
Incorporating learning strategies and techniques for the students that were research proven
Cooperative Learning
Builds on background knoweldge
Inquiry Based
Focuses on types of memory
Working Memory
Initial storage process in the brain that selects
where the information will be stored
Short-Term
Long-Term
Declarative
Facts &
Information
Learned by focusing on
existing memory
structures and building
on those
Procedural
How to Do Things
Learned by practicing a skill that is goal-orientated and meaningful
Grammatical Approach
This approach is based on teacher centered instruction. It is also based on the
students memorizing grammar forms, definitions, etc. The grammar based
theories feel that the students acquire the second language when taught the
language explicitly. The focus is on the language, not the use of the language.
Behaviorists Theorists
Outdated
Methods
Direct Method
All instruction is done in target langauge
Grammar Translation
Learning is done by translating to and
from the target language
How I learned Spanish in high school
Emphasis on target lenaguage
Characterized by a lot of memorization
Communicative Approach
This approach is also known as the social learning approach. The theories
feel that the students acquire the second language socially and from
others. The focus is on the students. The purpose of acquiring the language
is for communication.
Methods
Integrated Content Based
Thematic Unit Centered
Content Based
Covers all 4 language domains
Links language with content
Sheltered Method of
Instruction
Hands-on Activities
Cooperative Learning
Guarded Vocabulary
Visuals
SDAIE
Specially designed academic instruction in English