Major Theories of Literacy Learning and Language Development

Kenneth Kunz,Ed.M. Rutgers University

Reading Specialization

What is Behaviorism?

• Learning consists of the acquisition of new behaviors.• Stimulus vs. Response

Skinner’s Learning Theory• Operant conditioning• Conditioning stimulus-response (S-R) associations

through reinforcement• Shaping behavior through selective reinforcement

Cognitivism

• Humans are active participants in their own learning rather than passive participants.

»Jean Piaget- 1896-1980»Assimilation &

Accommodations

Social-Constructivism

• We learn from and with others (socially)• L.S. Vygotsky-studied the importance of social

factors in cognitive development

• Vygotsky (1896-1934)

The Zone of Proximal Development

• "the distance between a child's actual developmental level as determined by independent problem solving and the higher level of potential development as determined through problem solving under adult guidance or in collaboration with more capable peers"

(Vygotsky)

Scaffolding

David Wood (based on Bruner’s Theory)

The support and guidance provided by an adult or more capable peer

Goals:The learner should not succeed too easily, nor fail too often

Cognitive Behavior Approach

• Students are aware of their learning and set goals and understand desired behaviors

• Self-monitoring occurs as students track their progress

• Often involves checklists, behavior-modifications, etc.

Reader Response Theory

• Transactional Approach: The reader actively constructs meaning from the text and makes connections to his or her own life.

• Rosenblatt (1978)

• Classroom uses: Reader’s Response Journals, Post-It Notes, etc.

Reflections on Literacy Research: The Decades of the 1970’s, 1980’s, & 1990’s

• 50’s and 60’s– Emphasis on Phonics, Skills, Little meaning or

comprehension work until third grade. – Standardized testing– Direct and Behaviorist Instruction– Experimental and Control Group Research

1970’s

-Dolores Durkin-Reading Comprehension(Meaning and Understanding)-Kenneth Goodman-Meaning from Print-Marie Clay-Cognitive Processing-Louise Rosenblatt-Transactional (Reader’s Response

Theory)

Research moves toward observable and describable case studies and analysis of conversations.

1980’s

Socio-Cultural Concerns: What different languages, cultures, families, environments, and socio-economic status (SES) issues have to do with reading success?

Whole Language Approach: Children’s Interests are Important (Developing a Love for Reading

(Marie Clay, Kenneth & Yetta Goodman)

Donald Graves: Writing Process Approach

1990’s

• Marilyn Adams: Skill Development & Phonics • Marie Clay: Strong influence on systematic,

intensive instruction

Where does that leave us now?

2000 to Present Balanced Literacy

More direct instruction More skill-based

More accountability

Scientific-based reading research (SBRR)

Why does the pendulum swing so much?