Integrating Behaviourist Theory in English Language Pedagogy: Challenges for Indian Higher Education in the 21st Century

Epuri Sunitha, Dasari Jaya Kumari

Abstract: English continues to play a pivotal role in higher education across India, serving as a medium of instruction and a key to global academic and professional opportunities. To enhance the effectiveness of English language teaching and learning in Indian colleges and universities, various educational theories such as humanism, cognitivism, constructivism, and behaviourism are increasingly applied. This study focuses on identifying the challenges associated with implementing behaviourism theory in English language education at the tertiary level in India. The findings are expected to benefit a broad range of stakeholders, including English language faculty, curriculum designers, academic planners, policy makers, textbook developers, and teacher training institutions. Employing a qualitative case study approach, the study utilizes document analysis and semi-structured interviews as key data collection tools. Interviews were conducted with six English lecturers from different higher education institutions across India, while the document analysis involved reviewing scholarly literature related to behaviourist approaches in English pedagogy. The results suggest that challenges in applying behaviourism theory at the college level fall into three categories: learner-related, teacher-related, and institutional/environmental. Learner-related issues include low motivation and anxiety, which hinder reinforcement-based learning strategies. Teacher-related challenges involve limited exposure to behaviourist methodologies and inadequate training in applying them effectively in higher education contexts. Environmental factors such as large class sizes and lack of technological support further restrict the application of behaviourist principles. The study concludes by recommending regular faculty development programs, curriculum modernization, and investment in supportive teaching infrastructure to improve the practical integration of behaviourism theory in English language instruction at the tertiary level in India.

Keywords: Behaviourist Theory, English Language Pedagogy, Indian Higher Education, Second Language Acquisition, Curriculum Reform, Teaching-Learning Challenges, Classroom Environment, Teacher Training

How to Cite?: Epuri Sunitha, Dasari Jaya Kumari, "Integrating Behaviourist Theory in English Language Pedagogy: Challenges for Indian Higher Education in the 21st Century", Volume 14 Issue 8, August 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 610-615, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR25811123128, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR25811123128