Reflecting on the Natural Approach

            

Natural approach aims to teach the second language in the classroom setting with more emphasis on the communication than the grammar. Since this method is developed by Stephen Krashen and Tracy Terell, we can associate this method with Krashen’s monitor model.

            I think it is associated with the Input Hypothesis which is concerned with the acquisition rather than the learning. The Natural approach values the fluency rather than the accuracy. When the students engage in meaningful conversations, they can acquire the language. The natural approach and the input hypothesis believe the learners will improve by understanding the messages or by receiving the comprehensible input.

            Krashen’s ideas may also apply in the situation where I am teaching. I’m teaching in an international school. The classroom is composed of students with different L1. English is the common language among us. Although most of them are native speakers of English, some of their classmates use English as their second language or as their foreign language.

            I found out that the most applicable for my students is the affective filter hypothesis. It is important that the students are highly motivated in order to acquire the knowledge. When the teacher gives them some praises, their self-confidence is being boosted. Another factor is the manner of correcting. When the students know that they will not be criticized when they make mistakes, their level of anxiety will be lesson. These situations can lead to better understanding of the language.

            Among the five main hypothesis of Krashen’s theory on SLA, I think that I will have a hard time in applying the input hypothesis. The input hypothesis claims that people acquire language best from messages that are just slightly beyond their current competence. I believe that in my classroom setting, the students don’t have the same level of competence. Of course the native speakers have an edge compared to their Japanese or Korean classmate. It is a challenge for me to design the learning activities that will be fair for my students.