计算机辅助教学论文Computer-assistedEnglishTeaching

Computer-assisted English Teaching Based

on Behaviorism

Abstract: the traditional English teaching focuses on the dominance of teachers. With the development and application of computers, CALL (Computer-Assisted Language Learning) has been widely used in the modern English teaching as a new teaching method. This paper proceeds with the theoretical research and analyzes the theory of Behaviorism and its influences on and limitations to CALL.

Key Words: Behaviorism, CALL, Teaching method

1.Introduction

The 20th century is not only an age of information but also an age of knowledge economy. With the prevalence and the rapid development of information technology, computer-assisted English teaching has been influencing all the aspects of English teaching and has become a new

trend of English-teaching development. It pays more attention to guiding the students to study language with the help of computers. The combination of teaching content, teaching process and the assistance of computers can contribute to the best learning effect. Behaviorism has laid the foundation for computer-assisted English teaching.

2.CALL---Computer-Assisted Language Learning

CALL (Computer-assisted Language Learning) refers to the use of a computer in a language teaching and learning program. The research CALL began in the 1960’s in America. According to New Oxford English Dictionary, the word “assist” refers to help someone typically by doing a share of the work. When used in foreign language teaching, “assist”refers that the teachers use computers to improve teaching methods and the teaching effect. CALL is the combination of computers and modern educational theory. As a brand-new teaching method, CALL has been widely applied and achieved a lot in the English teaching at every level of schools. CALL is more often practiced in the teaching or learning of a second or foreign language. According to Richards, et al. (1998), it may take the form of:

a. activities which parallel learning through other media

but which use the facilities of the computer (e.g. using

the computer to present a reading text);

b. activities which are extensions or adaptations of

print-based or classroom-based activities (e.g.

computer programs that teach writing skills by helping

the student develop a topic and thesis statement and

by checking a composition for vocabulary, grammar,

and topic development);

c. activities which are unique to CALL.

3. Phrases of CALL Development

There are mainly 4 phrases in the course of CALL development.

3.1 Phrase Ⅰ(Behavioristic CALL)

The Behavioristic CALL was conceived in the 1950s and implemented in the 1960s and 1970s. Programs during this period can be referred to as “drill and practice”. The principles behind this computer as tutor model could be briefly put as follows:

a. Repeated exposure to the same material is beneficial

or even essential learning.

b. A computer is ideal for carrying out repeated drills.