Module 2 Discussion: Theories of Language Learning

The theory that makes the most sense to me is the behaviorist theory. According to the reading, the "Behaviorist theory says that children acquire a first language by listening and repeating what adults, or native speakers say (Skinner, 1957)." Students often repeat what they hear from adults. In the classroom if the teacher is using the academic language and vocabulary then students are going to pick up the terms simply by listening. In addition, the behaviorist theory supports that behavior is learned through imitation and culture determines the beliefs. This fits most with my pedagogy because I believe that students need to be shown the appropriate way of doing something. As the teacher, I model my thinking, writing etc and student in return can acquire more knowledge by listening and repeating.