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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 4 page paper defines the behavioral, sociological and naturalistic approaches to literacy; and then considers how these approaches influence classroom practices. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
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4 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_HVAppLit.rtf
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them have an enjoyable learning experience. This paper defines the behavioral, sociological and naturalistic approaches to literacy; and then considers how these approaches influence classroom practices. Approaches Briefly stated, the
behaviorist approach to literacy is based on behavioral theory, which was greatly influenced by psychologists like B.F. Skinner and John Watson (The diversity kit). In the view of the behaviorist,
"learning is understood strictly with reference to peoples behavior, which is shaped by external rewards or reinforcement. Internal cognitive processes are considered unknowable or unimportant" (The diversity kit, p. 29).
In this view, the "complex accomplishment of acquiring language" is believed to be nothing more than a "set of behaviors that are the result of environmental feedback" (The diversity kit,
p. 29). Current theories posit literacy as a result of a "strong biological basis for language" that interacts with the environment and creates internal structures "that organize components of
language" (The diversity kit, p. 29). This is much different from the factory approach to learning implied by the behavioral model. The sociological approach to literacy assumes that in order
to be effective, literacy policy must be made "part of a larger language policy that is articulated in relation to other social policies (eg, health, child care, employment, immigration)" (Developing
productive programs and pedagogies). Proponents of this thinking dont see literacy skills developing in a vacuum unconnected to other human endeavors. Allan Luke urges educators to focus on "how schools
shape variable repertoires of practices with specific texts and discourses that have salience and potential combinatory power with other kinds of capital available in students lived communities" (Developing productive programs
and pedagogies). Simply put, the sociological approach takes in much more than just learning to read; it encompasses the students lives in their entirety. The naturalistic approach to literacy encourages
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