TEFL Laboratory

  The Behaviorist Approach to Language Acquisition The Innatist Perspective on Language Development The Interactionist View of Language Learning The Cognitive Theory of Language Acquisition The Sociocultural Theory in Language Learning The Importance of Understanding Language Acquisition Theories in TEFL Applying Language Acquisition Theories in ESL Teaching Challenges and Criticisms of Language Acquisition Theories Integrating Multiple Theories in Language Teaching Future Directions in Language Acquisition Research The Behaviorist approach to language acquisition, popularized by B.F. Skinner, emphasizes the role of environmental stimuli and reinforcement in shaping language development. In this view, language is learned through imitation, repetition, and conditioning. Behaviorists...  [Read more]

Learning Difficulties “Makaton is a unique language programme offering a structured multi-modal approach, using signs and symbols, for the teaching of communication, language and literacy skills for people with communication and learning difficulties.” The methodology of TESOL is, I am told, directly transferable to the teaching of any subject or skill. I am going to consider whether this methodology is an efficient and appropriate way to teach Makaton to Down’s people, who have often failed to develop their mother tongue adequately. Adults with Down’s Syndrome often fail to develop language “naturally”. There are many reasons for this. Structurally they may have some hearing loss due to narrow ear canals and they may find the formation of sounds difficult because of their...  [Read more]

Online vs. Onsite Courses Becoming certified to teach English as a second language can be done onsite or online. On online course was the most efficient, economical and in many ways the superior way for me. This article explains my background and situation. It also touches on the process I went through to get to this, the final lesson. Online is not for everyone. It takes an open and creative mind to step into the world of computers and electronic tutors. An imagination and discipline were keys to my approach. Imagination was profound when I would take time away from class and Google some blogs about teaching English. Dave’s Café was just one of these places where you could find endless discussions on the joys and perils of teaching English in other countries. These stories were the...  [Read more]