Job Discussion Forums

[coledavis]

I was not referring to positive reinforcement, where a consequence of an action has an effect on future behaviour. I was using the term reinforcement in a more general sense: the opportunity to rehearse - because of having a conversation partner - strengthens learning. You are less likely to practise via monologue.

[fluffyhamster]

I hadn't taken you for a behaviourist, Cole, so we were and are ultimately saying pretty much the same thing as each other. Anyway, it would be good to not use the term behaviour to describe language in use, as it can only lead (as we have seen several times now in this thread) to the need to make the opposite plain, if only so one's own position is clear and beyond doubt. (Who'd've thought behaviourism had~has been so "influential" - or should that be pernicious - in its seductive but simplistic reductionism? LOL).

[coledavis]

Sorry about the confusion in terms, but I am perfectly happy to be taken for a behaviourist. Because I am one. Behaviourism has been hugely influential. Take therapies: very few based upon other theories have been shown to be effective, whilst those based on behavioural modification and cognitive therapy (an offshoot of behavioural therapy) are a different story.

Pernicious? Mainly by reputation.

[fluffyhamster]

Ah, so you ARE a behaviourist...but only in a very general sense. I see. (Actually, I don't, but never mind, unless you fancy enlightening me beyond what you've already said or implied in relation to language learning). No wonder I'm confused!

[coledavis]

I'm a rather rusty behaviourist. But you were right, the phrasing of an otherwise rather fruitful posting did rather cloud the issues. Re communicative methods: Continued use of speech - its rehearsal - will strengthen learning. Conversation is likely to assist this process as it makes speech more likely and, in receiving positive responses, will also provide positive reinforcement (i.e. making speech more likely in future).

Also, as we know from cognitive psychology, richness of learning enhances the process of memorising. In terms of speech, conversation is likely to add that richness, especially if the teacher introduces interesting content. This latter point is why I think that content-based methodology has a place alongside the communicative approach (sorry if I'm confusing my methods with my approaches).

[fluffyhamster]

Yes, and I've also been led to believe that drinking alcohol in sufficient quantities can make one drunk!

[coledavis]

ok, there are times when behavioural methods can seem a bit obvious, but I think that stating the obvious, aka thinking logically, is rather better than apparently 'deep' theories which actually do nothing.

[Cool Teacher]

[coledavis]

I've certainly heard it said more than once that they take themselves very seriously, which may be a symptom of what you've said.

[johncoan]

[coledavis]

[coledavis]