The Swing of the Pendulum – Objectivism or Constructivism in Language Education?

This paper reviews objectivism and constructivism: the two educational ideologies which underlie different language teaching methods, applied in the classrooms for decades. It reflects on some marked differences among the existing language theories and practices within the two traditions and their impact on early language education. The authors emphasize the changes in the focus of the educational paradigms and the need of working methodologies and classroom practices that are in line with the contemporary requirements of modern education. A shift from learning that to learning how has been observed. Young students should be able to have new experiences in a new language by doing things as autonomous learners within a group that has established a positive learning environment. The focus of research should be on developing and applying effective, age-appropriate approaches which will facilitate the language learning of children and enhance their overall physical and psychological development.