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I learned there are 4 major theories (Maturationists, Environmentalists, Constructivists and Other). In the maturation theory, the biological processes are fundamental. This means, there is a sequence of events. The Environmental theory is to describe when our behavior is a reaction to our surroundings and not programmed as in the first theory above mentioned. Then we have a combination of the 2 theories mentioned previously, which is called the Constructivism theory and this states we interact with our environment and construct our own framework. Montessori is this type of theory. The Other theory includes many others for example cognitive developmentalists, who suggest there are stages to our intellectual development. Jean Piaget is an example. He names 4 stages: sensorimotor (birth to age 2), preoperational stage (2-7 yrs), concrete operational stage (7-11 yrs) and formal operational stage (age 12+). This unit also gives an example of teaching methodologies for different age groups within the young learner age bracket (5-13 yrs). Teaching methodologies would differ for children ages 5-9yrs and 9-13 yrs due to the younger ones having lower concentration and memorization than the older kids and the older kids learn more consciously and have a higher ability to see abstractly. However, lesson plans for both groups would be more student centered. Finally, the seating arrangement in the classroom is also important to take under consideration because it affects the classroom atmosphere. The semi-circle seating arrangement is the best way for communicative language learning because the students can easily see the board, can easily move around and the teacher is not excluded from the group.
