LANGUAGE ACQUSITION-201

WEEK 8

What I learnt is that social interactionism includes active participants,

humanistic approach, whole person, interaction with other people, independent
learning through exploring (Piaget’s stages), use of reward and punishment. ı
have learned the relationship between them and social interactionism (Vygotsky
and Feuerstein). Vygotsky opposed to Behaviorism and teaching by cutting the
subject into small pieces. His view is holistic. To him, meaning is superior to the
structure. Due to the Russian Revolution, his ideas were restricted, so there were
signs and symbols, culture transmission. The key point is language in interaction
with people. I have learned the terms “mediation” (helping to find the way of
learning), “zone of proximal development” (I +1, just above the level). To
Feuerstein, the main point is the implications of classroom teaching and
learning. As a criticism for Vygotsky’s ideas, he asked how teachers could use
all of the theories of Vygotsky as practitioners. There are dreadful traumatic
expressions and learning difficulties due to the event of Holocaust. They
developed skills and strategies to overcome these difficulties. I have also learned
the terms “structural cognitive modifiability” (there’s no end in the
learning),”Instrumental Enrichment” (learning how to learn), “Cognitive Map”
(individual’s presentations of key factors), “Dynamic Assessment” (assessment
happening in both ways; student and teacher. Additionally, I also learned BBL
(as long as brain isn’t inhibited, learning occurs.). As to social constructivist
model, I can say that I have totally understood the importance of roles of learner,
teacher, context and tasks as model in learning process.
I had difficulty in figuring out the BBL and its relation to the view of
Feuerstein but now while repeating it I can realize the connection; nevertheless,
I want to learn if we will study on it in detail. . .?
I suppose I need to repeat what I have already learned because I need to
make a connection and division between them to remember all I learned easily
in the future.
I believe I will use all I have learned today, of course Feuerstein’s ideas
seems to more rational than Vygotsky’s to me in the aspect of language teaching
but without knowing theory I can’t produce practice. Especially, I can use the
implications of Feuerstein’s to overcome all the learning difficulties as I will
certainly face some bad conditions and problems. I will use dynamic assessment
as an assessor to have effective feedback. I will try to be aware of my learner’s
cognitive map as I think taking note is very important in English learning. I will
be a good mediator and interact with my students actively to be a good model
for them.