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2.1 Individual task
Discussion of learning theory with reference to the lesson observed.
After observing the class of Mrs Sim, we realized the teacher applied behaviourism
theory in teaching and learning activities. There are a few contributors of behaviourism
theory. The teacher applied the theory which were contributed by Ivan Pavlov, J.B.
Watson and B.F. Skinner.
Guy R. Lefrancois (2011) claimed that one of the most useful education implications of
Pavlovs classical conditioning is teacher need to try to minimize the unpleasant aspects
of classroom learning. During observation, I realized the teacher emphasized on the
quietness in the classroom. She used body language such as gesture to ensure that the
students did not make unnecessary noise. Apart from this, Mok Soon Sang (2008) stated
that the teacher can use skill to make discrimination. For the example that had been
used by Mrs Sim was emphasizing on the differences between because and and. She
kept on repeating because was used to join the sentences that show reason. The
conjunction and is used when the sentences stated two things.
John B. Watson contributed stimulus generalization for behaviourism theory. One of the
implication stated, in order to consolidate what has been learned in the memory, more
exercise should be carried out after learning. During the teaching lesson of the teacher,
she gave more than one activities. She started the activities with the group work and
then scoped down into individual task. For those who could not catch up on what she
instructed, she did extra explanation to them. From here, we realized that she focused
on the crucial of repetition as the reinforcement.
Professor Dr. Peek (2004) stated that Skinners theory showed two kinds of learning,
respondent behavior and operant behavior. Skinner also encouraged continuous
reinforcement, followed by intermittent reinforcement. This is because intermittent
reinforcement will have higher resistance for response. The evidence of the learning
activity of Mrs Sim was the frequency of the students being praised. The teacher did not
praised for every moment of the correct answer. She did it as she wanted students to
appreciate the reinforcement and improved themselves.
Besides using behaviourism theory, Mrs Sim also applied Stephen Krashens Monitor
Model. One of the hypothesis that had been applied in the teaching lesson is input
Besides entering the class that was conducted by Mrs Sim, we also observed the class
of Mrs Lau. From the observation, we concluded that she used behaviourism theory and
Krashens Monitor model in teaching. The students in the class are average in English
academic level. The observation that we carried out in the class is language lesson. The
teacher taught the shape to the students.
At first, the teacher greeted the class on how are you? The students welcomed the
teacher with greeting words as well. The teacher then introduced the students on the
todays topic which are regarding shape. Mrs Lau interacted with students with a jovial
smile on her face. After communicating with pupils, she played a song named The
Shape Song. This showed the implication of Krashens Monitor Model. From the
Affective filter hypothesis of Krashen, he claimed that one of the obstacle that manifest
itself is affective filter hypothesis. This hypothesis displayed that the external factors
played as a filter that impede the comprehensible input from entering the mind. These
factors are motivation, anxiety and self-confidence. From the environment conducted by
the teacher, we realized that she tried to minimize the anxiety in the class. This is to
prevent the anxiety to form a mental block that prevent language learning from taking
place.
The song was repeated for several times. After the students had listed out the type of
shape, she checked the answer. The teacher gave an applause for those who answered
the correct answer. From the applause, the students will get more involved in the
learning activities. According to the theory of Skinner, he emphasized positive
reinforcement. With the positive reinforcement, the students will repeat on what made
them being praised. They will also improve themselves in terms of behavior as well as
academic. So, it is important to appreciate on the effort done by the students. The
teacher in this class showed gratitude toward the effort of the students in answering by
giving applause.