TASK 1: WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT

This essay will be discussing on the application of theories of language learning, the
use of teaching aids, the different approaches in a lesson and the type of assessment used to
aid in the effectiveness of the lesson.

2.0 Theories of language learning

From the video, the teacher applied theory of behaviourism in her teaching. Behaviourism
corresponds learning with behaviours that can be observed and measured. The key to
successful transfer through behaviouristic learning is by reinforcement. Reinforcement is
aimed at encouraging desired behaviour so that it will be repeated or continued. For example,
when the teacher asked the student a question and the pupil answered the question correctly,
the teacher will praise the student. This will give encouragement to the student to always
participate actively by answering questions. The theory of behaviourism was being applied
when the teacher makes sure that the students are ready for the lesson. A law which states
that learning is dependent upon the learner's readiness to act, which facilitates the
strengthening of the bond between stimulus and response (Law of readiness. Oxford
Reference). The teacher goes through the objectives of the lesson so that the students know
what they are going to learn. Thus, the teacher applied theory of behaviourism in her teaching.

Furthermore, the teacher applied theory of cognitivism in her teaching. The teacher showed a
picture and asked the students questions. This help the students to open their black box as
they are processing the question that their teacher asked. The mind is like a computer. When
the information comes in, it will be processed and the it will lead to certain outcomes. From
the video, the teacher asked who is the king in the story. Without knowing the story in the first
place, the students can guess who is the king as a king will always sit on his throne. It is
derivative subsumption which the new information students learn is an instance a concept
This shows that knowledge is hierarchically organised and when new information is meaning
full to extent that it can be related to what is already known. Theory of cognitivism shown by
the teacher’s instruction is arranged systematically. Thus, the teacher applied theory of
cognitivism in her teaching.

3.0 The use of teaching aids

From the video, it can be seen that the teacher is incorporating the us of ICT in her teaching.
ICT is described as the devices and principals involved in information processing, as well as
electronic communication which includes all the hardware and software needed for processing
in teaching and learning (New World Bank Report, 2006). Etonyeaku (2009) described ICT as
all the forms of technology used to transmit, store, create, share or exchange information. In
a broader sense, ICT includes such technologies like radio, television, video, telephone,
satellite systems, computers, network, hardware and software. It is clearly that she used a
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projector to project out the images which attract the student’s attention. With colourful images,
the students love the pictures as it will encourage them to eagerly participate in the lesson.
Through the projection of story on board, it replaces the conventional way of reading a story
which is only by books. Incorporating ICT as a teaching aid help to break the barrier and let
the students to interact more with the technology. It will also help to foster literacy knowledge
such as comprehension of different text types, and understanding the relation between spoken
and written language. Thus, with implementation of ICT as a teaching help the teacher to
attract the students’ attention and give a platform for the students to interact more during
lesson.

4.0 The different approaches in a lesson

From the video, the teacher is using direct method as an approach for teaching. The objective
of this method is associate meaning and the target language directly through the use of realia,
pictures or pantomime (Larsen-Freeman, 1986, p.29). The teacher was not using mother
tongue during the lesson. She showed pictures to the students and used it to make meaning
clear. During the lesson, all activities and instructions are using the target language. Through
this approach, the students stand a better chance of thinking and speaking in the target
language. It also enables the students to understood the language and use it with ease. Thus,
direct method is a good approach for a student to learn oral language.

Moreover, the teacher is using communicative approach for teaching approach.

Communicative approach is not about teaching grammar. The teacher encourages the
students to speak in appropriate way. The lesson is more to student centred as the teacher
act as facilitator. We can see that the teacher involves the students in realistic communication
where accuracy is less important but there must be a purpose for communication. From
observation, the teacher gives her students a chance to express their own opinions, and also
make sure they can speak. The communicative approach provides with an opportunity to
progress not only their language skill level, but also their social and interactive skills. For
example, the teacher will ask different students to speak out their answer on different question
so that they can build up their own confidence. Thus, communicative approach is a great way
of approach to teach language.

5.0 Type of assessments used

The type of assessments used by the teacher is assessment for learning. The teacher used
this type of assessment to teach because it will create feedback from the students which then
used to improve students’ performance. This assessment involves students to become more
active in their learning as they gain confidence in what they are expected to learn and to what
standard. Throughout the lesson, the teacher always asks question to her students and ask
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on their feedback. The teacher also gave handout to her students. This will help her to assess
on her students’ understanding during the lesson. She even gives a puzzle to make it more
interactive. When the students are able to complete the puzzle, it shows that her students do
focus and understood the lesson well. Thus, through assessment for learning teachers can
have direct and immediate feedback on their students’ understanding.