BEHAVIORISTIC AND COGNITIVE APPROACHES IN PROGRAMMED INSTRUCTION
Kenneth D. Chastain · Language Learning · 1970
The ability to communicate in a language involves the unconscious application of the rules of the language while focusing conscious attention on the content of what is being said. In order to develop language ability to the skill level, some modern language teachers prefer mechanistic techniques; others advocate mentalistic procedures. Although programmed materials have generally followed Skinnerian principles, they can be prepared to correspond to cognitive interpretations of learning. Utilizing both types of programming would enable the teacher to provide for individual differences in learning preference and style. Viewing the skill development sequence in its entirety would enable the teacher to ascertain what particular advantages programmed learning has to offer as well as to determine at what stages it must be supported by additional classroom activities.