Philippine E-Journals

Language and the Learning Process: Insights from Contemporary Psychology Perspectives

Allan B. I. Bernardo

Discipline: Education, Psychology

 

Abstract:

The paper attempts to address the medium of instruction issue by taking an information-processing perspective on the processes of language and learning. In particular, the following questions were addressed: What is the relationship between language and the process of learning among Filipino-English bilinguals? Are there differences in the learning process that could be due to the characteristics of the language used in instruction? What are the features of language usage that may affect the effectiveness of learning?

 

The first part of the paper clarifies the features of effective learning as an effortful, constructive process engaged by learners. The goal of the constructive process is the mindful construction of new understanding by relating new information to existing knowledge. The second part of the paper characterizes language as a process or activity directed towards expressing ideas and meaning. The process of language is also embedded in the process of conversation which is characterized by collaboration among the participants. In the final part of the paper, six propositions are presented, each describing principles relating characteristics of language use that should facilitate effective learning processes. The principles draw from the interface of the characteristics of effective language use and the characteristics of effective learning.

 

The final discussion highlights the complexity of the medium-of-instruction issue, and the importance of using an information-processing perspective to look at the processes of language and learning in their integral elements.