ACT* (Adaptive Control of Thought): automatization as proceduralization of declarative knowledge through practice¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 3 claims (3 for) · 2 studies (1 causal, 1 review), q2–q3 · 0 of 2 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description¶

Anderson's ACT* model, described in the review as the most widely accepted theory of how automaticity is brought about, holds that knowledge starts as explicit declarative information, "knowledge that," which is turned into specialized procedural rules, "knowledge how," through analogy with examples and general behavioural rules. This transformation is called proceduralization; forms produced by controlled processing become automatic through practice and repetition, are stored in long-term memory, and require little attention control. Learning thus involves a shift from controlled to automatic processing, releasing controlled processes for higher levels of processing.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Simple sub-skills and routines need to become automatic before dealing with more complex skills
• Many repetitions are required for the conversion of controlled processing to automatic processing

Constraints¶

• The automatization of controlled processing requires constant restructuring of the linguistic system throughout the foreign language learning process

Target Learners¶

• Adult foreign language learners

Target Learning Objectives¶

• Automatization of L2 grammatical structures for fluent and accurate production

Claims¶

• Attention plays a major role in L2 learning because a task-relevant knowledge base is built in memory through attention [+W]
• Automatization of L2 skills requires extensive practice in a consistent environment, not repetition of grammar rules as in traditional exercises [+W]
• Practice of grammar rules improves only the practiced skill, showing skill specificity of L2 automatization [+W]

Related Theories¶

• Anderson's ACT theory of memory: declarative knowledge as a propositional network activated by spread of activation
• Skill acquisition theory applied to second language learning: declarative knowledge first, then proceduralization and partial automatization
• Declarative/procedural (D/P) model of L2 morphological learning

Examples¶

• Supplement task-based language teaching with grammar instruction and use communicative drills for automatization
• Procedural Learning
• Routines
• Classroom Routines And Procedures

Key Sources¶

• Aydinbek C. (2022). Contributions of cognitive theory to the problem of automatization of grammatical structures in teaching foreign language. Educational Research and Reviews. https://doi.org/10.5897/ERR2022.4230