Complexity Theory

Kristin Bridges, Min Liu and Olivia Tuli

Three questions of inquiry evolution of the system will itself

change the environment so that a new
“Complexity is the property of a real world adaptation is needed” (Larson-freeman,
system that is manifest in the inability of 2011) confirms that systems are
any one formalism being adequate to constantly evolving. This makes me think
capture all its properties” (Rosen, B). This about second language teaching in the
means that for complexity to occur there classroom and how the development of
must be a large number of subsequent the students is constantly changing with
parts all with their own proper attributes their new knowledge. How do you think
and changes. Do you think it is possible for teachers can be continually adapting their
there to exist too many subsequent lessons in order to proactively react to
properties such that a result can not be student development?
justified? For example, in a second
language classroom do you think viewing How does this module inform my
all the students across all curriculum conception of second language
expectations creates too many elements learning?
to try to give a blanket solution to?
With our analytical lens of complexity
Complexity theory states that “a system is theory, the idealized isolation of
complex when it is composed of a group components in a system to test for
of related units (subsystems), for which correlation becomes increasingly
the degree and nature of the relationships problematic with each additional
is imperfectly known. (Joseph Sussman, “element,” forcing us to unite the range
“The New Transportation Faculty”). The of phenomena into an ecologically viable
overall emergent behavior is difficult to system. Thus, through this module, one
predict, even when subsystem behavior is of my impressions on how complexity
readily predictable. Small changes in theory informs second language learning
inputs or parameters may produce large is that language along with the myriad of
changes in behavior”(Ferreira, 2001). Do its related aspects, from language use to
you think the result would be even larger language teaching, are all considered
if the subsystem behaviour was also complex systems. Complexity theory did
unpredictable? Or would this then cause not inform us how we can learn another
too much complexity with too many language, instead, it points out that
unknown variables? language is a dynamic system and
language development is a dynamic
The quote, “a system is never optimally process characterized by variability and
adapted to an environment since the variation. Besides, language learning is
process of
 Complexity
Behaviorism
Theory
Kristin Bridges, Olivia
Min LiuTuli
andand
Olivia
MinTuli
Liu

Ways that behaviorism thinks about structuring the learning situation so

unpredictable
students and is highly dependent on Teachers
the students Collegeare at this
primedmoment are very
to make the
the learner’s identity, autonomy and social similar
correct to complexity
response and theory. areIf reinforced
you look at
context. Therefore, the importance of inquiry
for it. based learning, although it varies
complexity theory to
• Behaviourism second
sees language
learning as a natural, slightly from complexity theory in other
learning is in itsprocess
automatic potentiality
thattohappens
reconcilethrough ways, inquiry based learning sets up
‘nature’ and ‘nurture’
exposure, reactionas the
to learner can
a prompt and classrooms
Pros and Consand to learning
Behaviourism to be as well as
be seen as an individual
repetition with his/her
and considers each learner as differentiated
examples of today’sfor students
uses of to be able to
behaviourism
cognitive
beingcapacities
essentially andthe
at the
samesame time
with minimal learn what they would like from a lesson.
as angenetic
agent who is in interaction
differences. with the
Each is made different • Pro: Behaviourism can be usedas as
Therefore, for this reason, as well thea
otherbyelements in his/her environment.
the Influences on him by his reason
classroom that newmanagement
teachers are eager toolto -
environment. Behaviorist psychologist J.B. learn and try new things for
specifically operant conditioning (which the good of
To sum up, asbelieved
Watson Claire Kramsch
that each(2012)person
says, can the students,
is when you imposing
are given this theory on
positive/negative
“complexity/chaos
learn equally welltheory mayenvironments
if the not be so or teachers who are starting
reinforcement for doing something or their careers
useful as a theory
conditions in ofwhich
secondthe language
learning takes would
actingbeawise and way.)
certain beneficial for all.Nebel,
(Cindy
learning,
placebutare
it sure is a great
identical formetaphor to
each learner. However,
2017). Con if you werepro:
to this to make
if youthe theory
forget to
capture all that's theory
Behaviorist going onalso whenemphasizes
language the mandatory
follow through for an with
entiresystems
school, meaning
in place
learning
fact happens
that "humanto us.”
and (p.21).
animalAs alearning is a that all teachers learn
for classroom management they can and implement this
metaphor,
processit of
offers
habitusformation
a window,asorthe better
result of theory
become I would see some
obsolete (i.e.push back andto
forgetting
yet, reinforcement
a skylight into making sense of the(Hubbard
and reward…” disputes
continuously over the fill matter.
up a jarMany withteachers
pebbles
complex mix
Jones, of events,
and Thomton cognitive
Wheeler, 1983; 326). who
when arestudents
older have area momentum
well behaved andand
processes,
Positiveand social practices
reinforcement is that
rewarded, and routine
following when teaching.
classroom These teachers
rules).
converge when
negative human beings
reinforcement learn a
is punished. • may
Pro:beyou defensive
can useand frustrated with
behaviourism theory
language. being
to get forced
studentsto implement
to learn new a certain
grammarway
Ways that behaviourism thinks about ofstructures
teaching. Having to rebuild
or fix badly learntthe way
grammar
Isteachers
it controversial you deliver material is no
structures by reacting positively when easy feat. In
order
they to areavoid
usingthis, it would
it well be beneficial
(in written or oral
The complexitysupports
Behaviorism theory allows for allteacher role
an active towork).
present Connewtotheories,
this pro: such as will not
you
students to be engaged
and believes the inteacher
their language
is directly complexity
catch every theory,
mistake an optional
and therefore not
learning all atfor
responsible once. It also allows
determining theforcontent for implementation.
reinforce every time It would also be
students to take
the learner, andwhat they want
he values from structure
the logical a advantageous to allow teachers to ease
lesson as well asoftake
and sequence theitsubject
in the direction
matter. In other into the transition of taking on a new
that theyTeachers
words, would like aretoingocontrol
(Freeman,
of the learning approach to teaching. Offering support
2011). In terms ofsubject
environment, complexity theory being
matter, and the and making the time to teach them how
controversial, I believe Besides,
learner’s behaviors. that it canteaching
be takes to transition easily from one way of
depending
place beston bywho is looking
accurate into theand proper
diagnosis teaching to the next. Using resources for
theory and onofwhat
placement thegrounds.
learnerAs ata teacher
the tasks. easy understanding such as this video
just startingcan
Teachers herimprove
career, many of the
learning drastically by (click here for link) by Ali El Mahmoud can
https://jeducationworld.com/2016/12/classroom-management-for-jewish-
educators/
theories that were being taught in be beneficial for getting teachers on your
 Complexity
Behaviorism
Theory
Kristin Bridges, Olivia
Min LiuTuli
andand
Olivia
MinTuli
Liu

side. Keeping it short and informative is Resources:

Pros andthat
Ways Consbehaviorism
to Behaviourism thinks as well
about as management
structuringjar.the (Teacher
learningToolkit,
situation
n.d.) so
or
key, many teachers get a minimum of 10-
examples of today’s uses of behaviourism
students a ‘coupon’
the students
systemare (where
primed
students
to make collect
the
15 emails a day. A lot of information is Freeman,
continued coupons
correctforD. L. (2011).
response
speaking A Complexity
french
and arefromreinforced
teacher
constantly being thrown at them,
in Theory
for it.and
order to its implications
‘buy’ something for TSOL,
from the
therefore, finding ways to help your case, Youtube,(toys you buy from dollarama),
• Behaviourism
As the Berkley sees Graduatelearning
division
as avery natural,
well ‘magasin’
i.e. keeping information short and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqQ
put it is “the
automatic process pointthatof happens
education through
is to and/or something of the sort or ideas from
effective is vital in getting teachers on i5de6bxU
present thereaction
exposure, student with to atheprompt appropriateand this
Pros page.
and Cons to Behaviourism as well as
board for implementation. In the end, it is
repertoire and
repetition of considers
behavioraleach responses
learner as to • Goals for
examples of today’s
studentsuses would
of behaviourism
be to do the
all about our students and making sure Ferreira, P. they
(2001) Complexity Theory.
specificessentially
being stimuli and the same
to reinforce
with minimal
those best that can in order for them to
that they feel safe and comfortable and
responses
genetic differences.
through Each isan made different
effective • MIT. web.mit.edu.
receive
Pro: Behaviourism BobcanRosen
positive reinforcement be and
usedandDonas toa
that they have the best tools and delivery Mikulecky,
reinforcement
by the Influences schedule” on (Berkley,
him by n.d.). his be awareProfessors
classroom and evenof possibly
management Physiology, tool
remind-
to be able to learn. Medical College of Virginia
Therefore another
environment. Behaviorist
goal for psychologist
teachers isJ.B. to teachers to
specifically operant followconditioning
through (which with
make sure
Watson believed
that behavioral
that eachresponses
person can are Commonwealth
systems
is when you areUniversity
in place. given positive/negative
appropriate.
learn equally well if the environments or reinforcement for doing something or
conditions in which the learning takes Kramsch,
acting aC.certain
(2012).way.) Why is everyone
(Cindy Nebel, so
place are identical for each learner. excited
2017). about
Con tocomplexity
this pro: iftheory in
you forget to
Teaching
Behaviorist
Goals for theory
a language
also emphasizes
teacher the applied
follow linguistics.
through with Mélanges
systems Crapel, 33,
in place
fact that "human and animal learning is a 10-24.
for classroom management they can
• process
Behaviourism
of habit canformation
be a toolas tothe
be result
used for of become obsolete (i.e. forgetting to
classroom management
reinforcement and reward…” as well (Hubbard
as to Mahmoud,
continuously A. E.fill(2020).
up a Complexity
jar with pebbles
promote
Jones, andgoodThomton
ways Wheeler,
of learning 1983;material.
326). theory:
when practices
students in arethewell
classroom.
behaved and
For example,
Positive reinforcement
when it comes is rewarded,
to second and Youtube.
following classroom rules).
languagereinforcement
negative teaching and is punished.
students are • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQal
Pro: you can use behaviourism theory
actively participating in class I will n7A6rhI
to get students to learn new grammar
Ways positively
that reinforce
behaviourism good use thinksof second
about structures or fix badly learnt grammar
teachers
language words and/or grammar terms. structures by reacting positively when
However, I will not negatively reinforce the they are using it well (in written or oral
Behaviorism
use of theirsupports
second language
an active(L2) teacher
becauseroleI work). Con to this pro: you will not
anddo believes
not want the to discourage
teacher is themdirectly
from catch every mistake and therefore not
responsible
attempting for todetermining
speak in their the content
L2. Which for reinforce every time
the leads
learner,
intoand
a goal
he values
for teachers:
the logicalto positively
structure
Retrieved from: https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/81768549468757224/
andreinforce
sequence goodof the usesubject of matter.
L2 butIn otherdon’t
words,
discourage
Teachers byare
negatively
in control reinforcing
of the learning
use of
environment,
L2 when mistakes subject are made.
matter, and the
• Using behaviors.
learner’s behaviourism Besides, inteaching classroom
takes Scan for
placemanagement
best by accurate
strategiesdiagnosis
are really
and great
proper-
placement
especiallyof fortheL2 learner
learnersat - the goalstasks.
for references
Teachers
teacherscancanimprove
be tolearning
set up drastically
a classroom by