Theories and Models

Question 1

Universal Grammar Model

Answer 1

As cited in Kumaravadivelu (2006)

Chomsky
Grammatical structures are fixed in the mind so a child can create an infinite number of sentences by eliminating those that don’t use a fixed grammatical structure

Limitations to these structures include Principles and parameters.

Principals are common features across all languages such as word classes

Parameters are sets of variations between languages such as “pro drop” (Italian) and “non-pro drop” (English) where a pronoun can be omitted

2LL must look for positive or negative evidence to support the parameters of their target language.

Question 2

Information Processing Model (1)

Answer 2

McLaughlin

Consciously and unconsciously knowing a language

describes the learner making conscious decisions in early stages of acquisition

Short-term memory (limited capacaity = errors)

Practice = automatisation

Long-term memory.

This model explains how errors are fossilised

Question 3

Information Processing Model (2)

Answer 3

Humans are viewed as autonomous

Mind is general purpose

complex behaviour is made of simple processes

Components can be observed individually

the mind has a limited capacity

Question 4

Sociocultural theory

Answer 4

Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of mind

reframed language learning as social, rather than a behaviourist process

consciousness is a basic human ability to use symbols as tools for communication

Consciousness allows us to set goals and motives to regulate problem solving

young children are object regulated
adults are self regulated (independent)

1. adults use egocentric or private speech (talking to yourself)
2. social speech
3. inner speech

Zone of Proximal Development