This document reviews the major trends of thought concerning first and second language acquisition, in an attempt to trace a sequential history to second language teaching methodology today. The contributions of the behaviorist and nativist schools of thought are examined in particular, and two major issues are focused upon: (1) the origins of second language teaching methodology and the way it is evolving; and (2) the implications for language teachers of historical and current thought concerning language motivation and crucial factors in the acquisition of language skills. (Author/CLK)