Krashen's Theory of Second Language Acquisition

Perhaps the strongest influence on second language teaching and learning in the past 15 to 20 years has stemmed from Stephen Krashen's theory of second  language acquisition.  Krashen's theory was developed on the assumption that first and second language acquisition are similar in important ways. This was a new idea as recently as 20 years ago.  As mentioned previously, prior to Krashen, people often learned second languages through grammar study or through memorization of dialogs.  Krashen's theory contains five hypotheses: the Affective Filter Hypothesis, the Acquisition vs. Learning Hypothesis, the Natural Order Hypothesis, the Input Hypothesis, and the Monitor Hypothesis.

Step One:

View the video clip of an interview with Dr. Krashen in which he explains portions of his theory.  He is talking about natural language acquisition, not conscious learning. Listen for the term "affective filter" and what is helpful and not helpful in language acquisition.

Krashen Video "How do we Acquire Language?"

 

Step Two:

Read the material summarizing Krashen's Hypotheses on pages 27-29 of your study guide. After reading this material, return to the online module to test your understanding of Krashen's Hypotheses by completing the T/F quiz shown below or on p. 30 of your study guide or using the downloadable document. Justify each answer by specifically referring to information found in the study guide regarding Krashen's Hypotheses or to information heard in Krashen's video clip.

Download T/F Quiz in Microsoft Word Format

T/F Quiz on Krashen's Five Hypotheses

Read each statement and decide if it is True or False. Justify each answer by specifically referring to information found in the Study Guide regarding Krashen's Hypotheses or to information heard in Krashen's video clip. Submit your responses to your facilitator.

1. Lowering the affective filter prevents language learning.
2. Rules that are acquired late can be drilled for longer periods to promote earlier acquisition.
3. Excessive error correction is done in classrooms where the focus is on acquiring a second language.
4. The degree of anxiety, motivation, and self-confidence that a second language learner experiences affects the rate of second language acquisition.
5. The best way for a child to learn English in school is to control the sequence of grammatical structures that the child is exposed to.
6. A great many listening activities occur in classrooms where the focus is on acquiring a second language.
7. Writing is more conducive to monitor use than speaking.
8. The teaching of foreign languages in U.S. high schools is largely an example of learning another language.
9. It is helpful to speak to children using gestures and visual aids even if they can't answer you.
10. If children don't begin speaking a second language within a few months , it means that they are having difficulty understanding it.

 

ESOL Home Module Home Back Next