LLSS 556: First and Second Language Development
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February 14, 2008 (class #4)

Topic: Approaches to First language Development -- Behaviorism
Class Outline:
 
1.) Class intro:
  • Tip of the day
  • Announcements (anyone?)
  • Quick questions and quandaries
2.) In small groups discuss:
  • What is behaviorism? 
  • According to behaviorists, how do children develop language?
3.) Begin interactive presentation:
  • Approaches to the study of language development
4.) Quick write: Compare what you wrote for the first quick write (“How do you think children learn to talk?”) with the behaviorist explanation of child language development? Similar? Different? How so? 
5.) Contine interactive presentation: 
  • Behavioral approaches to of language development
6.) minute paper
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Overheads:
PowerPoint

Handouts:
none this week

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Readings

Author: Skinner, 1957
1.) Define verbal behavior. How is it different from vocal behavior?
2.) List and briefly describe the indicators for a verbal response from a person’s verbal repertoire.
3.) State several examples of positive reinforcement that can be used in a classroom setting.
4.) Could operant conditioning be used in teaching language? If yes, how? If no ,why not?
5.) Now that you've read this chapter:
  • ...what seem to be some important concepts in this reading?
  • ...what are some new terms for you?
  • ...what new questions do you have?

Authors: Alberto & Troutman, 2003
1.) The authors list four requirements for a useful theory. Define each briefly in your own words.
2.) What is positve reinforcement?
3.) What is negative reinforcement?
4.) What is punishment?
5.) What is shaping?
6.) What is modeling?
7.) Now that you've read this chapter:
  • ...what seem to be some important concepts in this reading?
  • ...what are some new terms for you?
  • ...what new questions do you have?
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Extra Resources
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Julia Scherba de Valenzuela, Ph.D.
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Last updated: February 2, 2008