ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses three current theories of learning that should be considered by designers of intelligent computer-assisted language learning (ICALL). These theories are the novice-to-expert paradigm, constructivism, and the individual differences model. Constructivism deals not only with how understanding is constructed but also with how the structure of cognition affects behavior. The theory of constructivism suggests that individuals interpret and act according to conceptual categories in the cognitive system. Constructivism is partly based on Kelly's theory of personal constructs. Kelly suggested that people understand experience by grouping according to similarities and opposites. A construct is a distinction between opposites, such as short-tall, fat-thin, black-white, pleasant-unpleasant, that is used to understand events, things, and people. By employing such distinctions and classifications in constructs, individuals give meanings to what they encounter. After a brief discussion of one theory of second language acquisition, three general theories of learning are explained: the novice-to-expert paradigm, constructivism, and the individual differences model.
