Theories of learning

The starting point for all language teaching should be an understanding of how people learn. But it is too often that case taht learning factors are the last to be considered. English has been particularly guilty in this regard. Yet, language can only be properly understood as a reflection of human thought processes. Language learning is

conditioned by the way in which the mind observes, organizes and stores information. In other words, the key to successful language learning and teaching lies not in the analysis of the nature of language but in understanding the structure and process of the mind. Unfortunately, we still know too little about how people learn. Nevertheless, if we wish to improve the techniques, methods, and content of language teaching, we must try and base what we do in the classroom and sound principles of learning.

Developments in learning theory have followed a similar pattern to those in language descriptions, and each has had some effect on the other. But, if we are to see the importance of each for language teaching, it is the best to consider the theories relating to language and learning separately. As with language descriptions, we shall describe the main developments in theories of how learners learn and relate each to the needs of the learner and teacher.