Question

A learner who focuses excessively on correctness, often correcting themselves mid-sentence and hesitating to speak, is likely over-relying on which aspect of Krashen's model?

• A. A. Comprehensible Input
• B. B. The Natural Order
• C. C. The Monitor
• D. D. The Affective Filter

Answer 1

Answer:

C. C. The Monitor

Understanding Krashen's Monitor Model

• Stephen Krashen's Monitor Model (1977, 1982) is one of the most influential theories in the field of Second Language Acquisition (SLA).
• It proposes five interconnected hypotheses that explain how individuals acquire a second language.

The Five Hypotheses of Krashen's Monitor Model:

1. The Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis:
   • Acquisition refers to the unconscious process of 'picking up' a language, similar to how children acquire their first language. It's natural and focuses on meaning.
   • Learning refers to the conscious process of knowing about the language, its rules, and grammar through formal instruction.
2. The Monitor Hypothesis:
   • This hypothesis states that the 'learned' system acts as a 'monitor' or editor for the output of the 'acquired' system.
   • It is used to plan, edit, and correct language output, but only when three conditions are met: sufficient time, focus on form (correctness), and knowledge of rules.
   • A learner who excessively corrects themselves mid-sentence and hesitates to speak is demonstrating an over-reliance on this monitor, prioritizing grammatical correctness over fluency.
3. The Natural Order Hypothesis:
   • This suggests that learners acquire grammatical structures in a predictable sequence, regardless of their native language or teaching method.
4. The Input Hypothesis:
   • States that language acquisition occurs when learners are exposed to 'comprehensible input' that is slightly beyond their current level of competence (represented as i + 1).
5. The Affective Filter Hypothesis:
   • Proposes that a learner's emotional state (e.g., anxiety, motivation, self-confidence) can act as a 'filter' that either impedes or facilitates language acquisition. A high affective filter blocks input.

Key Facts for Competitive Exams:

• Stephen Krashen is an American linguist and education researcher, best known for his theories of second language acquisition.
• His theories emphasize the importance of comprehensible input and low-anxiety environments for effective language learning.
• Over-reliance on the Monitor can lead to speaking hesitancy, lack of fluency, and a focus on accuracy over communication. This is often seen in 'monitor over-users.'
• Conversely, 'monitor under-users' speak without much self-correction, while 'optimal monitor users' use it appropriately to enhance accuracy without impeding fluency.
• Krashen's model is primarily focused on language acquisition, not necessarily performance, but the Monitor bridges the gap between learned knowledge and performance.