EXAMINING SKINNER’S AND BANDURA’S IDEAS ON LANGUAGE ACQUISITION: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE TEACHER.

Author's Name: Dr. Wellington Samkange
Subject Area: Social Science and Humanities
Subject Education
Section Research Paper

Keyword:

Operant condition; Language acquisition; behaviourist theory; development; reinforcement.


Abstract

Language acquisition is central to children’s learning and development. This paper examines two theories that are related to language acquisition. The theories that are examined are Skinner’s behaviourist theory of language acquisition and Bandura’s social learning theory. Skinner’s theory on language acquisition focuses on at least three principles. These are operant conditioning, imitation and reinforcement. Bandura’s theory of social learning views learning as a cognitive process which has to take place within a social context. Such social context is characterised by observation, reward and punishment. The paper examines the similarities and differences between the two theories. The applicability of the two theories in a classroom set up is also examined. The role of the teacher in language acquisition in relation to the two theories is also discussed. The paper therefore notes that there are no major differences in the application of the theories in the classroom situation as both remind us of the need to create the necessary environment that enables the child to acquire and develop language. It concludes by noting the importance of the theories in language acquisition and development within the classroom situation.

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