1. Comparison between
Behaviorist Theory and Cognitivist Theory

2.  What is the Behaviourist Theory?
 Behaviorist theory says that learning is nothing more than
the acquisition of new behaviour based on environmental
conditions – linking a new behaviour to a stimulus by
providing reinforcement after the correct behaviour is
produced.
 The Theorists : Pavlov (1849 – 1936)
Skinner (1904 – 1990)
Watson (1878 – 1958)

3.  The Behaviorist approach to language learning grew out of the
belief that students could learn a second language by being taught
to produce the correct “response” to the appropriate stimulus. The
students would then receive either instant positive or instant
negative “reinforcement” in the shape of either correction or
praise from the teacher.

6.  What is the Cognitivist Theory?
 A cognitive theory of learning sees second language
acquisition as a conscious and reasoned thinking process,
involving the deliberate use of learning strategies.
Learning strategies are special ways of processing
information that enhance comprehension, learning or
retention of information. This explanation of language
learning contrasts strongly with the behaviourist account
of language learning, which sees language learning as an
unconscious, automatic process.

7.  Cognitive theory assumes that responses are also the
result of insight and intentional patterning.
 The Theorists : Jean Piaget
Robert Gagne
Lev Vygotsky

8.  Comparison between Behaviorist Theory
and Cognitivist Theory
 Behaviorism and Cognitivism are both a good
way of teaching and learning processes,
however, there are some differences between
them which is very significant.

9.  Comparison between Behaviorist Theory
and Cognitivist Theory
 Behaviorism is a theory that its perspective may be
defined as a change of behavior as a result of
experience-that can be measured.
 Cognitivist theory is that its perspective is a change in
mental representations and associations brought about
by experiences.

10.  Comparison between Behaviorist Theory
and Cognitivist Theory
Behavior theories
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Determine which cues elicit the
desired responses.
Arrange practice situations so
they will prompt elicit responses
in a “natural” setting.
Arrange environmental
conditions to enhance stimuli.
Focus on the design of the
environment to optimize
learning.
Use feedback (reinforcement) to
modify behavior in the desired
direction.
Cognitive theories
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•
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Focus on the mental activities of
the learner.
Acknowledge the processes of the
mental planning, goal-setting, and
organizational strategies.
Stress over efficient processing
strategies.
Make use of feedback (knowledge
of feedback) to guide and support
accurate mental connections.

11.  Comparison between Behaviorist Theory
and Cognitivist Theory
 In Behaviorist theory exposure is necessary, but in a linguistically
controlled way.
 In Cognitivist theory exposure is plenty and necessary and it is
based on the innate capacity of a learner and it is necessary.
 In Behaviorist theory practice is necessary. Constant repetition is
necessary.
 While in Cognitivist theory practice is important but rote learning
and meaningless repetition is out.

12.  Comparison between Behaviorist Theory
and Cognitivist Theory
 In Behaviorist theory teacher is the one who teaches, plans,
presents language items and exercises, makes students repeat
drills and gives correct language forms.
 In Cognitivist theory teacher is the one who creates opportunities
for learning to occur with the help of the learner’s data processing
mechanism.
 In Behaviorisn learners are basically passive, just responding to
stimuli.
 In Cognitivism learners process, store and retrieve information for
later use creating associations and creating a knowledge set useful
for living. The learner uses the information processing approach to
transfer and assimilate new information.

14. Behaviorism
Cognitivism
Behaviorism and Cognitivism are two
learning theories that even though
they have their differences, both
theories emphasize the role that
environmental conditions play in
facilitating learning, as well as
emphasis on the role of practice with
corrective feedback.

15. Thank You.