PEOPLE - 10 Ways to Improve your English Language Skills

Article by kalidoss nanditha

English, being one of the most predominant and most prevalently spoken languages is the official languageof 88 states in the world. For it carries such vehemence, English is primarily given significance. As for as the Indian society is concerned, the language has definitely progressed in leaps and bounds. Since the time British has left our country, English has already crept into the periphery of India. Be a reticent reader or a loquacious leader; the medium of expression plays a very significant role in communication. Thus, knowing and improving your language is as important as gaining an impulse over your field of expertise. For the limits of your language are the limits of your world!
For all the mothers in their cocoons, time to get rid of those butterflies in the social gatherings out there, here are the 10 ways of how you can improve your language:

10. SOURCE BOOK

A ground-breaking way to learn English! A source book is necessarily a notebook (pocket sized or even a long note book) wherein you enter your daily experiences, new words, quotes, proverbs, idioms, etc. for your future reference. A source book can also be used as a measurement for your improvement! Inscribe everything and anything under the sun; you don’t have to a grammar Nazi, you will definitely pick up and improve with passage of time. Use it as your personal diary or a decorative artifact in your pocket; carry it everywhere and you will notice the difference soon! Even little things like writing on stick notes on refrigerators and wardrobes are some fun activities to do.
9. PLAY

You are never too old to play. Be it a date at Barista or family time post dinner; play Scramble; the most interesting way to improve your language. Isn’t it cool to improve your language like that? Yes, it is. It not only refreshes and relieves you of stress but also helps you to spend quality time and improve at the same time! Games like Battle of Words, scramble, word building and other smart games on your smart phones are one touch away from you. The smart phones offer various kinds of learning games and other interesting free applications. Go, grab them! Play, enjoy, learn and improve. Make sure, you recap all the words you have learnt recently just to keep a check. Kitty parties are also one of the places where you can improve with your language apart from the other activities. For learning and improving are not special sports; so play it!

8. INTERACT

Stop being a moody Madonna out there. Catch up with friends, colleagues and family. Party, socialize and interact. Be it your daughter’s birthday party or Pammi auntie’s daughter reception; interact. Let yourself loose. Rigidity is no more a word in your dictionary. Speak up, speak out and speak over. No one is perfect, everyone learns from their mistakes. Socialize on networking sites. Be it face book, twitter, pinterest, quora, tumblr, etc. Interesting bloggers’ updates are seen every now and then. Thus, with easy access, gain knowledge today!

7. VIDEOS

In this fast pacing world, internet has its own pros and cons. Thanks to you tube and other interesting sites on the internet which provide tips to English language.Dish services like Tata Sky too have come up with innovative and intriguing videos for the house-wives out there. A number of free online courses are also being offered which are easily accessible. With a smart phone in place, how can the access be left behind? A number of interesting applications can be downloaded right away! Download tips, videos, dictionary and a lot more from the play stores!

6. WATCH

Watch…Watch and watch…Watch English films, television shows, soap operas, sitcoms, news, sports, videos and any other visual medium which aims to improve your English. A visual image gives a better perception and stays for a longer time. One of the easiest and entertaining ways to learn the language is to watch English films with English sub-titles. Also, watch a TV episode or a sitcom over and over again so as to learn the language without having to study it. With such a practice, a learner begins to enjoy comedy shows without even the subtitles. Noticing advertisements, bill boards, direct mailers, hoardings also help you overcome your problems.

5. WRITE

Writing a word once is equivalent to listening to the same word hundred times. Such is the impact of writing. Writing enables one to retain the learnt for a longer time. Writing, if made a usual habit, is one of the best ways to help you improve. Unlike the volatile reading, writing marks an impression and yields longevity. Even jotting down a mere couple of words learnt a day makes a significant impact. According to recent surveys, writing the vocabulary is one of the best and easiest ways to improve your language. The usage of grammar (specially the prepositions), punctuation, vocabulary and the flow of speech are achieved easily when written. Write, write and write…Be it a hotel, film, food or music review; write in your diary. Maintaining a pocket diary and referring to a dictionary is always advisable for it causes no epidemics!

4. ‘SPEAK, SPEAK N SPEAK’

‘Practice makes a man perfect’ is very true to life and when it comes to a language like English, nothing can help well than practicing speaking. Speak with a mirror, person or even a wall; all that matters is to improve your skill by honing it. Just as you sharpen a knife against a rough surface, English is meant to be learnt by committing errors. Improving is not an over-night’s process, it takes a great deal of time and this can be achieved only by being patient and practice speaking. After all, speaking is all the effort you need to take.

3. LISTEN

Friends, Indians and Countrymen, lend me your ears! One of the major pre-requisites to learn and improve a language is the passion, perseverance and patience to listen to it. Listening to a speech is as important as giving one. One needs to be a thorough listener in order to be affluent with the language. Listening enables one to understand the tone and the pronunciation of a language and thus, one can take keen interest on listening to radio broadcasts, music, an orator or even to a basic conversation. For a good listener today is a better speaker tomorrow.

2. OBSERVE

A learner without observation is like a bird without wings. Observation forms a vital part of the learning and improving English language. Be it pronunciation, vocabulary or the usage of specific words in various contexts are very imperative. Observing various conversations, contexts, news, interactions will clarify a number of doubts apart from imparting confidence. However, one must know the difference between observing and listening. Observing is the visual access to the subject; speech, body language etc. whereas listening is restricted to the auditory functioning. A good orator is always a good observer.

1. READ

Be it a novel, short story, newspaper, magazine, entertainment guide or even a piece of paper; it’s all about reading. For a good communication, one has to cultivate the habit of reading. Reading, primitively serves as a base for the progress of one’s communication. Even an article a day is sure to add value to your expertise of language. Reading forms the crux of improving one’s language. For writers or orators are not born; they are made. Reading a novel in a dialogue can help you improve your language per say. As a matter of fact, reading the lyrics while listening to music can also help you improve to a large extent and enables you to read between the lines. If not scanning the pages, one must at least make an effort to skim through the pages of content. Finally, to say read this, read that read everything and read anything, all to improve your English!

Source: http://listdose.com

LEARNING - Social Learning Theory

An Overview of Bandura's Social Learning Theory

"Learning would be exceedingly laborious, not to mention hazardous, if people had to rely solely on the effects of their own actions to inform them what to do. Fortunately, most human behavior is learned observationally through modeling: from observing others one forms an idea of how new behaviors are performed, and on later occasions this coded information serves as a guide for action."
-Albert Bandura, Social Learning Theory, 1977

What is Social Learning Theory?

The social learning theory proposed by Albert Bandura has become perhaps the most influential theory of learning and development. While rooted in many of the basic concepts of traditional learning theory, Bandura believed that direct reinforcement could not account for all types of learning.

His theory added a social element, arguing that people can learn new information and behaviors by watching other people. Known as observational learning (or modeling), this type of learning can be used to explain a wide variety of behaviors.

Basic Social Learning Concepts

There are three core concepts at the heart of social learning theory. First is the idea that people can learn through observation. Next is the idea that internal mental states are an essential part of this process. Finally, this theory recognizes that just because something has been learned, it does not mean that it will result in a change in behavior.

Let's explore each of these concepts in greater depth.

1. People can learn through observation.

Observational Learning

In his famous Bobo doll experiment, Bandura demonstrated that children learn and imitate behaviors they have observed in other people. The children in Bandura’s studies observed an adult acting violently toward a Bobo doll. When the children were later allowed to play in a room with the Bobo doll, they began to imitate the aggressive actions they had previously observed.

Bandura identified three basic models of observational learning:

1. A live model, which involves an actual individual demonstrating or acting out a behavior.
2. A verbal instructional model, which involves descriptions and explanations of a behavior.
3. A symbolic model, which involves real or fictional characters displaying behaviors in books, films, television programs, or online media.

2. Mental states are important to learning.

Intrinsic Reinforcement

Bandura noted that external, environmental reinforcement was not the only factor to influence learning and behavior. He described intrinsic reinforcement as a form of internal reward, such as pride, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment. This emphasis on internal thoughts and cognitions helps connect learning theories to cognitive developmental theories. While many textbooks place social learning theory with behavioral theories, Bandura himself describes his approach as a 'social cognitive theory.'

3. Learning does not necessarily lead to a change in behavior.

While behaviorists believed that learning led to a permanent change in behavior, observational learning demonstrates that people can learn new information without demonstrating new behaviors.

The Modeling Process

Not all observed behaviors are effectively learned. Factors involving both the model and the learner can play a role in whether social learning is successful. Certain requirements and steps must also be followed. The following steps are involved in the observational learning and modeling process:

• Attention:
  In order to learn, you need to be paying attention. Anything that detracts your attention is going to have a negative effect on observational learning. If the model interesting or there is a novel aspect to the situation, you are far more likely to dedicate your full attention to learning.


• Retention:
  The ability to store information is also an important part of the learning process. Retention can be affected by a number of factors, but the ability to pull up information later and act on it is vital to observational learning.


• Reproduction:
  Once you have paid attention to the model and retained the information, it is time to actually perform the behavior you observed. Further practice of the learned behavior leads to improvement and skill advancement.


• Motivation:
  Finally, in order for observational learning to be successful, you have to be motivated to imitate the behavior that has been modeled. Reinforcement and punishment play an important role in motivation. While experiencing these motivators can be highly effective, so can observing other experience some type of reinforcement or punishment. For example, if you see another student rewarded with extra credit for being to class on time, you might start to show up a few minutes early each day.

Final Thoughts

In addition to influencing other psychologists, Bandura's social learning theory has had important implication in the field of eduction. Today, both teachers and parents recognize the importance of modeling appropriate behaviors. Other classroom strategies such as encouraging children and building self-efficacy are also rooted in social learning theory.

LEARNING - Schedules of Reinforcement

In operant conditioning, schedules of reinforcement are an important component of the learning process. When and how often we reinforce a behavior can have a dramatic impact on the strength and rate of the response.

A schedule of reinforcement is basically a rule stating which instances of a behavior will be reinforced. In some case, a behavior might be reinforced every time it occurs. Sometimes, a behavior might not be reinforced at all. Either positive reinforcement or negative reinforcement might be used, depending on the situation. In both cases, the goal of reinforcement is always to strengthen the behavior and increase the likelihood that it will occur again in the future.

In real-world settings, behaviors are probably not going to be reinforced each and every time they occur. For situations where you are purposely trying to train and reinforce an action, such as in the classroom, in sports or in animal training, you might opt to follow a specific reinforcement schedule. As you'll see below, some schedules are best suited to certain types of training situations. In some cases, training might call for starting out with one schedule and switching to another once the desired behavior has been taught.

Certain schedules of reinforcement may be more effective in specific situations. There are two types of reinforcement schedules:

1. Continuous Reinforcement

In continuous reinforcement, the desired behavior is reinforced every single time it occurs. Generally, this schedule is best used during the initial stages of learning in order to create a strong association between the behavior and the response. Once the response if firmly attached, reinforcement is usually switched to a partial reinforcement schedule.

2. Partial Reinforcement

In partial reinforcement, the response is reinforced only part of the time. Learned behaviors are acquired more slowly with partial reinforcement, but the response is more resistant toextinction.

There are four schedules of partial reinforcement:

1. Fixed-ratio schedules are those where a response is reinforced only after a specified number of responses. This schedule produces a high, steady rate of responding with only a brief pause after the delivery of the reinforcer.


2. Variable-ratio schedules occur when a response is reinforced after an unpredictable number of responses. This schedule creates a high steady rate of responding. Gambling and lottery games are good examples of a reward based on a variable ratio schedule.

LEARNING - Introduction to Operant Conditioning

What Is Operant Conditioning?

Operant conditioning (sometimes referred to as instrumental conditioning) is a method of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments for behavior. Through operant conditioning, an association is made between a behavior and a consequence for that behavior.

Operant conditioning was coined by behaviorist B.F. Skinner, which is why you may occasionally hear it referred to as Skinnerian conditioning. As a behaviorist, Skinner believed that internal thoughts and motivations could not be used to explain behavior. Instead, he suggested, we should look only at the external, observable causes of human behavior.

Skinner used the term operant to refer to any "active behavior that operates upon the environment to generate consequences" (1953). In other words, Skinner's theory explained how we acquire the range of learned behaviors we exhibit each and every day.

Examples of Operant Conditioning

We can find examples of operant conditioning at work all around us. Consider the case of children completing homework to earn a reward from a parent or teacher, or employees finishing projects to receive praise or promotions.

In these examples, the promise or possibility of rewards causes an increase in behavior, but operant conditioning can also be used to decrease a behavior. The removal of an undesirable outcome or the use of punishment can be used to decrease or prevent undesirable behaviors. For example, a child may be told they will lose recess privileges if they talk out of turn in class. This potential for punishment may lead to a decrease in disruptive behaviors.

Components of Operant Conditioning

Some key concepts in operant conditioning:

Reinforcement is any event that strengthens or increases the behavior it follows. There are two kinds of reinforcers:

1. Positive reinforcers are favorable events or outcomes that are presented after the behavior. In situations that reflect positive reinforcement, a response or behavior is strengthened by the addition of something, such as praise or a direct reward.


2. Negative reinforcers involve the removal of an unfavorable events or outcomes after the display of a behavior. In these situations, a response is strengthened by the removal of something considered unpleasant.

In both of these cases of reinforcement, the behavior increases.

Punishment, on the other hand, is the presentation of an adverse event or outcome that causes a decrease in the behavior it follows. There are two kinds of punishment:

1. Positive punishment, sometimes referred to as punishment by application, involves the presentation of an unfavorable event or outcome in order to weaken the response it follows.


2. Negative punishment, also known as punishment by removal, occurs when an favorable event or outcome is removed after a behavior occurs.

In both of these cases of punishment, the behavior decreases.

LEARNING - Principles of Classical Conditioning

Behaviorists have described a number of different phenomena associated with classical conditioning. Some of these elements involve the initial establishment of the response, while others describe the disappearance of a response. These elements are important in understanding the classical conditioning process.

Acquisition

Acquisition is the initial stage of learning when a response is first established and gradually strengthened. For example, imagine that you are conditioning a dog to salivate in response to the sound of a bell. You repeatedly pair the presentation of food with the sound of the bell. You can say the response has been acquired as soon as the dog begins to salivate in response to the bell tone. Once the response has been acquired, you can gradually reinforce the salivation response to make sure the behavior is well learned.

Extinction

Extinction is when the occurrences of a conditioned response decrease or disappear. In classical conditioning, this happens when a conditioned stimulus is no longer paired with an unconditioned stimulus. For example, if the smell of food (the unconditioned stimulus) had been paired with the sound of a whistle (the conditioned stimulus), it would eventually come to evoke the conditioned response of hunger. However, if the unconditioned stimulus (the smell of food) were no longer paired with the conditioned stimulus (the whistle), eventually the conditioned response (hunger) would disappear.

Sponteneous Recovery

Spontaneous Recovery is the reappearance of the conditioned response after a rest period or period of lessened response. If the conditioned stimulus and unconditioned stimulus are no longer associated, extinction will occur very rapidly after a spontaneous recovery.

Stimulus Generalization

Stimulus Generalization is the tendency for the conditioned stimulus to evoke similar responses after the response has been conditioned. For example, if a child has been conditioned to fear a stuffed white rabbit, the child will exhibit fear of objects similar to the conditioned stimulus.

Discrimination

Discrimination is the ability to differentiate between a conditioned stimulus and other stimuli that have not been paired with an unconditioned stimulus. For example, if a bell tone were the conditioned stimulus, discrimination would involve being able to tell the difference between the bell tone and other similar sounds.

LEARNING - Introduction to Classical Conditioning

Behaviorism is a school of thought in psychology based on the assumption that learning occurs through interactions with the environment. Two other assumptions of this theory are that the environment shapes behavior and that taking internal mental states such as thoughts, feelings and emotions into consideration is useless in explaining behavior.

One of the best-known aspects of behavioral learning theory is classical conditioning. Discovered by Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov, classical conditioning is a learning process that occurs through associations between an environmental stimulus and a naturally occurring stimulus.

It's important to note that classical conditioning involves placing a neutral signal before a naturally occurring reflex. In Pavlov's classic experiment with dogs, the neutral signal was the sound of a tone and the naturally occurring reflex was salivating in response to food. By associating the neutral stimulus with the environmental stimulus (the presentation of food), the sound of the tone alone could produce the salivation response.

In order to understand how more about how classical conditioning works, it is important to be familiar with the basic principles of the process.

The Unconditioned Stimulus

The unconditioned stimulus is one that unconditionally, naturally, and automatically triggers a response. For example, when you smell one of your favorite foods, you may immediately feel very hungry. In this example, the smell of the food is the unconditioned stimulus.

The Unconditioned Response

The unconditioned response is the unlearned response that occurs naturally in response to the unconditioned stimulus. In our example, the feeling of hunger in response to the smell of food is the unconditioned response.

The Conditioned Stimulus

The conditioned stimulus is previously neutral stimulus that, after becoming associated with the unconditioned stimulus, eventually comes to trigger a conditioned response. In our earlier example, suppose that when you smelled your favorite food, you also heard the sound of a whistle. While the whistle is unrelated to the smell of the food, if the sound of the whistle was paired multiple times with the smell, the sound would eventually trigger the conditioned response. In this case, the sound of the whistle is the conditioned stimulus.

The Conditioned Response

The conditioned response is the learned response to the previously neutral stimulus. In our example, the conditioned response would be feeling hungry when you heard the sound of the whistle.

Classical Conditioning in the Real World

In reality, people do not respond exactly likePavlov's dogs. There are, however, numerous real-world applications for classical conditioning. For example, many dog trainers use classical conditioning techniques to help people train their pets.

These techniques are also useful in the treatment of phobias or anxiety problems. Teachers are able to apply classical conditioning in the class by creating a positive classroom environment to help students overcome anxiety or fear. Pairing an anxiety-provoking situation, such as performing in front of a group, with pleasant surroundings helps the student learn new associations. Instead of feeling anxious and tense in these situations, the child will learn to stay relaxed and calm.

More About Classical Conditioning

Classical conditioning can be used to increase the amount of a behavior, but it can also be used to decrease behavior. Learn more about classical conditioning phenomena.