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For Stephen Krashen, the disruption to traditional
education during Covid-19 may reveal some unexpected benefits.
How teachers and parents can harness the opportunity to teach
language — including heritage languages — during remote
learning?
Many parents and teachers are understandably anxious
about remote learning, as instruction has become less traditional.
However, Krashen notes, “We do not acquire language by
study, or by speaking or writing. We acquire in only one way: by
understanding what we hear or read. What we call
‘comprehensible input.’ The ability to produce language is the
result of getting the right kind of input.”
With less focus on traditional language education, i.e.,
practicing memorized rules and grammar through speaking until
they become automatic, students are free to acquire language in a
more effective way.
According to Stephen Krashen’s theory of language
acquisition, comprehensible input is language that can be
understood by listeners even if they don’t fully comprehend all of
the vocabulary and grammar in use. Input is essential to
acquisition, as it informs learners’ subconscious understanding of
a language.
While online education may isolate students at home, it
shouldn’t negatively impact language learning. “We don’t need
massive amounts of interaction to acquire language. We need
massive amounts of input,” says Krashen.
Internet: <languagemagazine.com> (adapted)
