Language Acquisition Theories

Now that you have considered the significance of teaching English in the Caribbean context, I want you to think about what you know about language acquisition theories.

There are various perspectives on how people acquire language. Three prominent theories of language acquisition are: 

• The Linguistic/Structuralist/Innatist theory (we are born with a language acquisition device that predisposes us for language acquisition) 

• The Behaviourist theory (we are taught language through a process of stimulus-response and reinforcement)

• The Social Interactionist theory (we acquire language through authentic social interactions with caregivers who scaffold our language development.)

Because your knowledge of language acquisition theories and your own perspective on how language is acquired will, inevitably, influence how you teach, I suggest you do some exploration of these theories. Be sure to consider the limitations as well as the merits of each theory.

Positive Teacher Attitude

Do you passionately love teaching?

Do you enjoy the process of preparing lesson plans, executing lessons, assessing students, providing feedback, loving and caring for even the most challenging of students?

You cannot be a good teacher if you don't enjoy what you do! Teaching is a difficult and complex art and only those who put their hearts into it can expect to change lives for the better.

You will not get A+ everyday but if you do not generally have an A grade attitude to teaching and learning, you should definitely consider changing your profession.

Here's a video that should provide you with some inspiration:

Theories of first language acquisition

In the first session, you were introduced to the nature of language and language learning, the aspects of language and theories of first language acquisition. As you continue to explore these concepts, please share what you read with your colleagues by uploading links or posting other sources of information.

Now that you have considered the significance of teaching English in the Caribbean context, I want you to critique the three first language acquisition theories you were introduced to:

• The Linguistic/Structuralist/Innatist theory (we are born with a language acquisition device that predisposes us for language acquisition) 

• The Behaviourist theory (we are taught language through a process of stimulus-response and reinforcement)

• The Social Interactionist theory (we acquire language through authentic social interactions with caregivers who scaffold our language development.)

Be sure to consider the limitations as well as the merits of each theory.

Welcome

Welcome to Supporting Sound English Teaching.

Teachers of Engish in the Caribbean operate in a context which requires a sound understanding of  the Caribbean language situation as well as effective language teaching methodology. This blog is a forum to assist teachers in developing the essential knowledge, skills and attidues that would make them outstanding professional English teachers.

A critical element of professional development is collaborating with other professionals in a community of practice. This platform is organised to provide you with the opportunity to be part of a community of English and Language Arts teachers, not only in Antigua and Barbuda but around the world.

 Please  take full advantage of this opportunity to collaborate and develop your competence in English teaching.

Check out the following link for what you can expect in this forum:


 https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9PW2qJSEKaES280cUhvUWNTelE/view?usp=sharing