Question

How are learner errors primarily handled in the Natural Approach, consistent with its focus on natural language acquisition processes?

• A. Errors are immediately and explicitly corrected by the teacher.
• B. Errors are mostly tolerated, and correction is indirect or focuses on communication breakdowns.
• C. Errors are systematically analyzed and addressed through grammar drills.
• D. Errors lead to a penalty in assessment.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Errors are mostly tolerated, and correction is indirect or focuses on communication breakdowns.

The Natural Approach to Error Handling

• The Natural Approach, developed by Stephen Krashen and Tracy Terrell in the late 1970s, prioritizes communication and natural language acquisition processes over explicit grammar instruction and error correction.

• Core Philosophy Regarding Errors:

  • Errors are viewed as a natural and inevitable part of the language acquisition process, similar to how children acquire their first language.
  • The focus is on fostering an environment where learners feel comfortable taking risks and experimenting with the language, rather than fearing mistakes.

• Tolerance of Errors:

  • Learner errors, especially in the initial stages, are mostly tolerated and are not immediately corrected in a direct, overt manner.
  • This tolerance helps to reduce the learner's Affective Filter (a concept by Krashen), which refers to emotional barriers like anxiety, self-consciousness, or lack of motivation that can hinder language acquisition.

• Indirect Correction and Focus:

  • Correction, when it occurs, is typically indirect. This might involve:
    • Recasting: The teacher rephrases the learner's incorrect utterance correctly without explicitly pointing out the error. For example, if a student says "He go home," the teacher might respond, "Yes, he goes home."
    • Clarification requests: The teacher might ask for clarification if an error truly impedes understanding, prompting the learner to self-correct.
  • The primary focus of correction is on communication breakdowns. If an error prevents the message from being understood, then intervention may occur. Otherwise, fluency and message conveyance are prioritized over grammatical accuracy in the early stages.
  • This approach aligns with Krashen's Input Hypothesis, which states that language acquisition occurs when learners receive comprehensible input (i+1), meaning input that is slightly beyond their current level. Constant explicit error correction can be detrimental to this process.

• Contrast with Traditional Methods:

  • Unlike traditional methods (e.g., Grammar-Translation Method or Audiolingualism) that emphasize explicit grammar rules and immediate, direct error correction, the Natural Approach believes such practices can inhibit natural acquisition and create anxiety.
  • The goal is to move learners from comprehensible input to comprehensible output in a low-anxiety environment.

• Implications for Competitive Exams:

  • Understanding the Natural Approach's stance on errors is crucial for questions related to language teaching methodologies.
  • Key terms like Affective Filter, Input Hypothesis, Comprehensible Input, Recasting, and the names Stephen Krashen and Tracy Terrell are highly relevant.