Language Acquisition - Personal Statement Example

Language theorists Introduction Linguistic theorists explain how children develop their language step by step. Psychologists believethat there is a close relationship between language development and development of thoughts in children. These theories have taken different perspectives from time memorial. The natives’ perspective states that human beings acquire knowledge biologically. “…a child develops language when he interacts with the environment” (Piaget, 1952). “….this is influenced by cognitive and social development” (Vigotsky, 1962). The learning perspective states that a child can learn through imitations, from punishments they are given, or when they are congratulated for the good things they have done. The interactionists’ theory, on the other hand, believes that both the above mentioned perspectives influence language development. The implication is that children develop language by interacting and communicating with others. “…a child develops language within a social context and this depends on social development” (Bates, 1976). At times they learn through trying out what happens around them. All these show that language acquisition has a schedule which is biologically organized. A similar pattern is followed by all to acquire language. Most people have mistaken language acquisition to be sound production only. Crystal, in his book, wrote that it also involves the ability to perceive sounds and understand the meaning of words people say. The following discourse, therefore, seeks to study the skinner, Chomsky, and the Piaget theories of language development in correlation to a student (Johnson) in my classroom. Relationship of the topic of discussion and my class As a matter of fact, language plays a very important role in human life. For a child to acquire perfect and fluent language, they have to undergo several steps and procedures. In case any of the steps is skipped or not properly availed to the child, one may or will definitely have a problem in the language development even later in life. In my class, almost all of my students showed a clear indication of having acquired these development stages well. I particularly discovered that one of my new students suffered the problem of not undergoing through most of these steps. As a matter of fact, this made him perform poorly in his class work. Apart from that, his relationship with other students was not also admirable (Widdowson ,2008). How to enhance instruction I decided to incorporate all the above mentioned theories to assist the student to enhance instruction and to enable him improve his language skills. After carrying out several investigations, I realized the student had undergone the Sensor motor stage of the Piaget theory. The linguistic skills I seriously needed to tackle were speaking, reading and writing. The main work was therefore to incorporate the other remaining three stages in this theory. I encouraged learning of the first language according to Chomsky theory. I encouraged the whole class to speak in their mother tongue at a stipulated time within the timetable. I introduced the dramatization and explanation method of learning. I always encouraged Johnson to do specific activities and explain them to others even though they knew exactly what he was doing. This really helped him to acquire the second step of Piaget. After this was properly taken in, I proceeded to introducing real objects and pictures, this helped him to learn through the look and say method and even phonic method. Chomsky theory came in very well at this particular time. I encouraged language development from word development to simple sentences constructions. Story retelling was not left behind as this could help him remember some events and things that happened in the past. The process was so positive that after sometimes, I introduced the last step of the Piagets theory “the Formal Operational Stage” which left me smiling after my objectives were achieved. I introduced discussion method of learning. I would organize debates and expression competitions. Johnson performed very well in both. I encouraged him to read more story books to acquire more vocabularies. I then introduced mathematical theoretical work and with continued practice, Johnson emerged at the top of class. Not only did he become the best student, his relationship with other students also improved a great deal (Piaget 2012). The skinners theory played a major role in Johnson’s language acquisition. I incorporated the operant conditioning method and the behavioral approach. A child develops language when he interacts with the environment” (McLeod, 2007). I introduced field studies and nature walks. Learning from the environment really helped Johnson to catch up with others. Carrying out this at a given time in a day gave him the opportunity to relate different activities with specific times of the day (McLeod et al 2007). The instruction and the common core states standards in ELA This instruction has really reflected the common core standards in ELA. The student carried out regular practices in his academic language not forgetting complex texts. With my help and guidance, he managed to improve his reading and writing skills. He increased the complexity of his vocabularies improving his wording and phrases step by step. His involvement in reading informational and literary texts helped him to improve his speaking and writing skills. He was capable of answering questions from these texts both verbally and in written form. I gave him different research to do in the library. This helped him to acquire knowledge of the surrounding and the whole world at large. These further encouraged him to learn independently hence building his context knowledge. This was seen as a positive approach in the entire school. Other students took the advantage of this to improve their language skills too (Widdowson 2008). Technology and linguistic enhancement To improve the students’ language acquisition, I incorporated various technologies in his learning. The use of charts helped him to learn through seeing and relating. The radio programs enhanced his listening skills. Computer games and classes helped him in coordination. Resource person on the other hand assisted him to improve his listening and speaking skills. Competitions, exhibitions and symposiums on the other hand helped him to improve his relation with others and as a matter of fact, it was a great deal in his entire upcoming (Judith et al 2000). Provision for differentiation of instruction As much as Johnson seemed to be lagging behind other students, he needed special attention. The other students as well had to go on with their normal daily classes. This therefore called for the differentiation of instruction in this particular class. I therefore introduced a multilevel lesson planning. I took him through learning from real life experiences. I also encouraged the use of various instructional strategies. Elaboration of adaptations to him helped me a great deal (Judith et al 2000). Conclusion Linguistic acquisition plays a major role in our children development. This is provided to the child from birth till a given age then the rest they acquire on their own. A child starts learning from home then school and others from the surrounding. It does not mean that those children who skip any of these steps can not cover them when identified. With effort and commitment, this child can be helped to acquire the skipped steps just like in the case of Johnson. Though many challenges are involved, ones a teacher has identified his/her student has this problem they should not ignore them. On the other hand, the students should not be taught using the normal teaching methods used to teach others. On the contrary, the teacher should investigate the background of the child to find out the origin of the problem. They should then pick up from there putting in place good strategies and plans to overcome these problems. The teacher should not be in a hurry with the students but should allow the student to learn at his/ her own pace. These will help the student to internalize concepts and ideas. Those in kindergarten should be allowed to learn through play method as suggested by Montessori. In other classes I suggest that the use of participatory, group learning and learner centered method would do a great deal. The emerging technology also plays a major role in helping these students. Teachers should therefore encourage the use of emerging technologies in learning. This raises morale in these students hence increasing their vigor in learning. Interaction learning enables them to improve their self esteem hence make them feel part and parcel of the other students fully. Since not all the students have the same abilities in class work, differentiation of instruction should be put into a great consideration. This would help the students learn in their various levels. As a matter of fact, teachers have a great role to play in the language development and acquisition in children (Widdowson 2008). References Judith, K. & Glisan, M. (2000), Teacher’s Handbook: Contextualized Language Instruction. Boston Publishers. McLeod, S.A. (2007). Skinner - Operant Conditioning. Retrieved fromhttp://www.simplypsychology.org/operant-conditioning.html Piaget, J. (2012). Piaget on the Language and Thought of the Child. New learning. Widdowson., H. (2008). Teaching Language as Communication. OUP, Oxford. Read More