say a group of students are studying for a test tommorow
how can language acculturation hinder or help their study session and subsequent testing experiences?
Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. By understanding the culture it will be easier to "translate" from language to language. Certain expressions used in one language do NOT translate literally. The study of synonyms is also very helpful.
If this does not answer your question, could you restate it?
It depends on the relationships between stimuli and responses on the various tasks.
This is illustrated by the concepts of positive transfer and negative transfer, which you may have already covered in your psychology class.
Positive transfer occurs when a new stimulus (S) is attached to a previously learned relationship between a stimulus and a response (R). For example, positive transfer occurs when you learn multiplication after you have learned addition. Suppose you learn that 2 + 2 = 4. The "2 + 2" is the S and the "4" is the R. Learning 2 * 2 = 4 is made easier, because you are just matching a previously learned R to a new S. Likewise, balancing on a motorcycle is learned more easily if you had already learned to ride a bicycle.
In contrast, negative transfer involves learning a new R to the same S. This would be like learning to drive on the opposite side of the road when visiting a different country. Another example would be with excellent typists, who have learned to type without looking at the keyboard. If we re-arranged the keys in alpabetical order, they would have a terrible time learning the new arrangement! The keyboard S is the same, but the expected Rs are different.
The can also be no transfer between two tasks whose Ss and Rs are both different, like spelling and riding a bicycle. Learning one task will have no effect on the other.
Later, positive transfer will lead to both proactive and retroactive facilitation, helping the memory of both tasks. In contrast, negative transfer will lead to proactive and retroactive inhibition — each task will interfere with remembering the other.
In terms of language, it can work either way. To demonstrate, I had my students respond to "hund" by saying "dog." Once they have that response down well, I asked them to respond to "perro" with "dog." They easily acquire the new relationship, because the Ss are different, but the R is the same.
After they got those Rs down well, I gave them the S, "dog." Their response time is greater and more varied, because now the one S leads to two competing Rs.
Thus the helping or hindering will vary, depending on whether the acculturation involves new Ss or new Rs.
I hope this helps you understand the process a little better. Thanks for asking.
Language acculturation can both hinder and help students in their study sessions and subsequent testing experiences.
Hindrance:
- Language barriers: If the students are not fluent in the language of instruction or if they are studying in a foreign language, it can hinder their ability to understand and comprehend the study material. This can lead to confusion, misinterpretation, and difficulty in retaining information.
- Difficulty in expressing ideas: Language acculturation can hinder students' ability to effectively express their thoughts, opinions, and understanding of the subject matter. This can be especially challenging in subjects that require critical thinking and analysis.
- Lack of familiarity with cultural references: Different languages and cultures have their own unique idioms, expressions, and references. If students are not familiar with the cultural context of the language they are studying in, they may struggle to grasp the nuances and deeper meanings in the study material.
Help:
- Increased comprehension: When students have a good understanding of the language and culture they are studying in, it becomes easier for them to comprehend the study material. They can easily navigate through textbooks, lecture notes, and other resources, enhancing their learning experience.
- Access to additional resources: Language acculturation allows students to access a wider range of resources, such as books, articles, and websites, that are available in the language they are studying in. This expands their knowledge base and provides them with more comprehensive study materials.
- Communication and collaboration: Language acculturation enables students to effectively communicate and collaborate with their peers and teachers. They can ask questions, seek clarification, and engage in discussions, fostering a more interactive and engaging study environment.
To overcome the hindrances and leverage the benefits of language acculturation, students can:
1. Improve language proficiency: Dedicate time and effort to improve their language skills through practice, reading, and engaging in conversations.
2. Seek language support: Engage in language courses, tutoring, or language exchange programs to enhance their language proficiency.
3. Utilize language resources: Take advantage of language learning resources such as dictionaries, translators, and language learning apps to better understand and navigate the study material.
4. Embrace cultural immersion: Immerse themselves in the language and culture they are studying by watching movies, listening to music, engaging with native speakers, and practicing the language in real-life situations.
By actively working on language acculturation, students can minimize the hindrances and maximize the benefits, ultimately improving their study sessions and testing experiences.