The Role Of The Teacher-as-Mediator In The Foreign Language Classroom

Since the 1970s researches and theories in foreign language teaching and learning have shifted their attention from examining the methods of teaching to investigating the processes of learning. Researches on the methods of teaching emphasize the input of knowledge and neglect the process of learners' autonomous learning. Researches on the process of learning stress the actions of learners, but ignore the role of teachers in classrooms.The theories about behaviourism and cognitive psychology have had a great effect on language learning. However, without doubts, they have weaknesses and they cannot help to develop the modern language learning. Psychologist Feuerstein's Mediation Theory suggests that right from birth a child's learning is shaped by the intervention of significant adults. He refers to these important figures in the child's learning as mediators. These adults, at first parents, but later teachers, select and organize stimuli that they consider most appropriate for learners and present them in the ways considered most suitable to promote learning. They also intervene the learners' responses by explaining to them and encouraging them.Social constructivist theory stresses the education of the whole person. It is believed that learners bring their own learning experiences to the learning process and they are active meaning-constructers and problem-solvers. Mediation Theory does not deny the constructive process of learners as the center in the language classroom and shows the teachers' important role as mediators.Mediation Theory is of great significance in language learning in China.