What is Comprehensible Input ?
Comprehensible input forms the core of the natural language acquisition concept. This perspective highlights the natural process of language acquisition, prioritizing rich and understandable input, similar to how children acquire their first language. Through this method, students naturally and intuitively acquire a language, emphasizing understanding and meaningful communication. This approach involves minimal rules and formal exercises.
The idea is not only based on Krashen's hypothesis but also on observational findings of how children come to understand their native language. In this view of language acquisition, everything revolves around the quality of the language provided. Krashen argues that language acquisition is most effective when the input is comprehensible and offered in a context that is interesting and relevant to the learner.
So, it's not just about the right input, but also about the context in which it is presented. This context must be engaging and relevant for the students, sparking interest and intrinsic motivation to understand and use the language. Think of stories, discussions, or activities that are authentic and stimulate the natural curiosity of the learners.
Importantly, this approach doesn't force output. While students are encouraged to use the language, it's not mandatory. The focus is on creating an environment in which students feel comfortable exploring and using the language at their own pace, without fear of mistakes or criticism.
The role of the teacher also shifts within this approach. Instead of being a source of knowledge, the teacher acts more as a guide, providing the right input and context, asking questions to deepen understanding, and providing feedback in a supportive and encouraging way.
In short, Comprehensible Input is not just a teaching method; it is an approach that embraces the natural power of the human mind to understand language, with the right input, context, and support to optimize the learning process. With this approach, students learn the language in a natural and intuitive way, focusing on comprehension and meaningful interactions. There is little emphasis on rules or formal exercises.
The idea is not only based on Krashen's hypothesis but also on observational findings of how children come to understand their native language. In this view of language acquisition, everything revolves around the quality of the language provided. Krashen argues that language acquisition is most effective when the input is comprehensible and offered in a context that is interesting and relevant to the learner.
So, it's not just about the right input, but also about the context in which it is presented. This context must be engaging and relevant for the students, sparking interest and intrinsic motivation to understand and use the language. Think of stories, discussions, or activities that are authentic and stimulate the natural curiosity of the learners.
Importantly, this approach doesn't force output. While students are encouraged to use the language, it's not mandatory. The focus is on creating an environment in which students feel comfortable exploring and using the language at their own pace, without fear of mistakes or criticism.
The role of the teacher also shifts within this approach. Instead of being a source of knowledge, the teacher acts more as a guide, providing the right input and context, asking questions to deepen understanding, and providing feedback in a supportive and encouraging way.
In short, Comprehensible Input is not just a teaching method; it is an approach that embraces the natural power of the human mind to understand language, with the right input, context, and support to optimize the learning process. With this approach, students learn the language in a natural and intuitive way, focusing on comprehension and meaningful interactions. There is little emphasis on rules or formal exercises.