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Pedagogical Approach

Natural Approach

Named Pedagogical Models and Movements

The natural approach is a language-teaching method developed by linguist Stephen Krashen and teacher Tracy Terrell from 1977 to 1983, built on Krashen's comprehensible-input hypothesis, that learners acquire language by understanding messages slightly beyond their current level rather than by producing output or studying grammar rules directly, and that a low-anxiety classroom removes an affective filter that would otherwise block acquisition. It shaped a generation of communicative and comprehension-based language curricula that followed it.

Facts
Central Question
How can classroom learners acquire language naturally through communication rather than grammar study? 1
Most Effective For
Beginning learners 1
Classification
Education Level
Primary Education (ISCED 1) 1
Connections

Informed By

Source Wikipedia: Natural approach
Source Wikipedia: Natural approach
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Natural approach
  • Opening section
    It aims to foster naturalistic language acquisition in the classroom setting by emphasizing communication and limiting conscious grammar study and explicit correction of student errors.
  • Outline section
    it is primarily intended to be used with beginning learners.
  • Wikipedia lead, education-level classification
    The Natural Approach has been used in ESL classes as well as foreign language classes for people of all ages and in various educational settings, from primary schools to universities.
  • Informed By: Input Hypothesis, Theory section
    The input hypothesis. This states that language is acquired by exposure to comprehensible input at a level a little higher than that the learner can already understand.
  • Informed By: Affective Filter Hypothesis, Theory section
    The affective filter hypothesis. This states that learners must be relaxed and open to learning in order for language to be acquired.
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