REFLECTION-3

What I learned was that learning a first language is something every child does
successfully,in a matter of few years and without the need for formal lessons.Children
acquire language through interaction with their parents or other adults,because they love
imitation.All normal children grow up in normal households,surrounded by conversation,will
acquire the language that is being used around them.Children have the potential to acquire
the language,but they need to be exposed to the language.There are three approaches
related to first language acquisition:behaviouristic approaches,the nativist
approach,functional approaches.According to behaviouristic approach children learn by
imitating and repeating what they hear.Positive reinforcement and corrections also play a
major role in language acquisition.Children do imitate adults.Skinner,who was a
behaviorist,argued that language acquisition is like any kind of cognitive behaviour-it is
learned by reinforcement and shaping.He also called this operant conditioning-where the
child tries and fails to use correct language until it succeeds;with reinforcement and shaping
provided by the parents gestures(smiles,attention,approval)which are pleasant to child.The
nativist theory deals with the biological belief that language is an innate feature of the
infant.According to Chomsky;we are born with a set of rules about language in our heads
which he refers as the “Universal Grammar”.Functional approach dealt with the deeper
fuctional levels of meaning constructed from social interaction.

I suppose I need to focus more on what Jean Berko said about how children learn language.
(not separate discrete items,but integrated system).

I believe I may use this information “children learn language not as a series of separate
discrete items,but as an integrated system”.I can design holistic teaching practices by
creating lessons which incorporate learning experiences from all three domains:the
cognitive(thinking)the affective(feeling)and physical.I may use videos,games,songs…To
develop empathy towards students,I may learn another language.If I want to motivate
students,I may provide them with positive reinforcements such as smiling,praising..I believe
there is something I shouldn’t forget that “if there is laughter,there is still hope for
learning”so I need to do my best to create fun and enjoyable learning atmosphere.