Entry # 6 Two Major Theories of Teaching Langauge

Learning/Word Recognition View 
(Freeman & Freeman, 2004)

Philosophy: People need to learn specific skill sets in order to learn language

Goal of Reading: to identify words

Method of Reading: recoding- go from learning written language to learning oral language

Reading in the Classroom:

Students spend time reading aloud

to practice learning difficult words. Vocabulary is often front-loaded.

Goal of Writing:

To learn to produce good writing

Method of Writing:

Build from part to whole

Focus on form and conventions

Teacher corrects all errors

Acquisition/Sociopsycholinguistics View
(Freeman & Freeman, 2004)

Philosophy: People learn language by acquiring language

Goal of Reading: to construct meaning

Method of Reading- use all cuing systems including: graphophonics, background knowledge, syntax clues, and semantics.

Reading in the Classroom:

Students are given much time to read silently as they practice strategies in order to improve comprehension. Vocabulary is learned through the context of reading.

Goal of Writing

To learn the writing process

Method of Writing:

Begin with content and learn skills for writing

Convention follows invention

All members review and edit drafts

References

Freeman, D.E., & Freeman, Y.S. (2004). Essential linguistics: What you need to know to teach. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.