Student Language Acquisition

Student Language Acquisition

1. The Input Hypothesis

   • Stephen Krashen
     • The best input is the learner's understood language that goes slightly beyond the learner's current understanding.
       • The teacher's role is primarily to provide input to the learners in specific ways that can help them understand communication.
       • As students comprehend the teacher's instruction and speaking, it helps them understand the information provided. - Comprehensible Input
   • Affective Filter Hypothesis
     • The affective filter hypothesis is a block that prevents learners from acquiring language. Learners that are experiencing anxiety, lack of motivation, or low self esteem can formulate a filter that prevents input.
       • This is important for teachers to recognize because learners that are experiencing anxiety and low self esteem may not retain information
   • BICS
     • CALP
       • Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency: Child's ability to cope with academic demands on various topics.
     • Jim Cummins
       • BICS and CALP are important to consider because it allows teachers to think about different forms of communication for the ELL students. It does not necessarily mean the ELL students have a problem comprehending; however, it could just be a confusion in communication.
     • Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills: Surface skills of speaking and listening. This is particular used when students speak to other students in their native language.

2. Universal Grammar

   • Noam Chomksy
     • Claims that all children are born with a characteristic ability to acquire, develop, and understand language.
       • Humans have a natural instinct to use and learn language.

3. Threshold Hypothesis

   • Jim Cummins
     • Threshold hypothesis states that the learner needs to have a threshold level of ability that should be achieved in one language in order for the learner to be effective in another language.
       • This depends on the benefits of bilingualism.
         • Useful for ESL teachers to consider especially if learning concepts are not transferring.

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