A Critical Review of the Impacts of Behavioral Approaches on Second Language Learning and Teaching

The field of second language learning and teaching has witnessed the rise and fall of several major theoreticalconceptualizations. Doubtlessly, behavioral perspectives have had a lasting effect on the understanding andinterpretations of the concepts and ideas in the related disciplines. This article intends to review the historicaldevelopments of the behavioral approaches to second language learning and teaching. First, the psychologicalunderpinnings of the theory are briefly discussed. Then, the major impacts of the approach on SLA are reviewed. Next,the major offspring of behavioral notions in the field of L2 learning and teaching are examined. Finally, the positive andnegative reactions and the advantages and disadvantages of taking the stance are critically investigated.

Keywords:

behaviorism , contrastive analysis hypothesis , errors , interference