Theories of Acquisition

Learning Behaviors

Metacognition: understanding of one's own thought processes.

Connectionism:artificial intelligence approach to cognition in which multiple connections between nodes form a massive interactive network

Classical Conditioning: Language learned through actions

B.F. Skinner

Reward (+) or Punishment (-)

Kant

Kantian Philosophy: significant for its distinction between the sensible world and the intelligible world as varied sources of human knowledge.

Nativism:Preprogrammed ability for language

Chomsky

LAD-Language Acquisition Device: the mind is inclined for language

Theories

Universal Grammar: more of an L1 acquisition theory rather than L2. It attempts to clarify the relatively quick acquisition of L1s on the basis of 'minimum exposure' to external input.

Innate Hypothesis: the natural, born ability to learn language.

Social Interaction

Environmental and Biological or 'Nature v. Nurture

Brunner

Scaffolding: variety of instructional techniques used to move students progressively toward stronger understanding