Stephen Krashen’s Seven Tips for Teaching Language During Covid-19 via Language Magazine

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Stephen Krashen’s Seven Tips for Teaching Language During Covid-19

Language Magazine: 5.08.2020

For Stephen Krashen, the disruption to traditional education during Covid-19 may reveal some unexpected benefits.

Krashen [ @skrashen ] is a leading world scholar, emeritus professor of Education at the University of Southern California, and author of several books on language acquisition.

In a recent conversation, Krashen discussed how teachers and parents can harness the opportunity to teach language—including heritage languages—during remote learning. Here are his expert insights:

1. Less Traditional Instruction May Be a Good Thing

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.

     What Is Comprehensible Input?

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.

2. Remote Learning Can Easily Support Language Acquisition

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.

Here’s how teachers and parents can continue to provide rich input during Covid-19.

     Practice More Storytelling

In early foreign language classes, studies show that students learn more effectively by listening to stories told to them by their teachers than from traditional study. Listening creates a path to reading, which is key for input for language acquisition.

     Allow Students to Read for Pleasure

“Self-selected pleasure reading is the source of most of our vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and the ability to write with an acceptable writing style,” notes Krashen.

3. Parents Should Share Heritage Language at Home

Heritage language is an indigenous language spoken by a student’s family.

4. Encourage Students to Read Fiction

When it comes to language acquisition, fiction is the most beneficial form of input. Fiction (especially science fiction) has a wide range of vocabulary and can educate students about history, science, geography and more—and is more enjoyable than academic texts.

5. Avoid Self-Instruction Language Learning Texts

If you want to continue a heritage language education at home, or supplement your child’s bilingual study, avoid self-instruction books.  READ MORE ➤➤

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Based on (7) readability formulas:

Grade Level: 11

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Reader's Age: 15-17 yrs. old

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