Fachdidaktik Englisch I
H.J. Perino
Teaching Methode: The Natural Approach
Sandra Jauslin
HS 2012
The Natural Approach
The Natural Approach is a form of the Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), which
“aims to make communicative competence the goal of language teaching” (Larsen-Freeman,
Anderson 2011: 115).
The Natural Approach was introduced in 1983 by Tracy Terell and Stephen Krashen in their
book called ‘The Natural Approach’.
The Natural Approach is based on Language Acquisition Theory in ‘Second Language
Acquisition and Second Language Learning’ (Krashen 1981) which argues that for second
language acquisition there should be no use of the native language in the classroom,
students should be exposed to a lot of vocabulary and there should be as many classroom
activities as possible.
The Natural Approach is an observation and interpretation based acquisition method for
beginners, deriving form observations on first language acquisition. It rejects any formal
organisation of language, thus, is not grammar, but communication based.
In the Natural Approach, it is more important for the learner to practice with comprehensive
and meaningful activities, rather than producing grammatically correct sentences.
The emphasis is on EXPOSURE and INPUT, as essential components of language.
Language is viewed as a vehicle of communicating meanings and messages.
Language Acquisition Theory (Krashen 1981)
1. Acquisition Learning and Monitor Hypothesis:
There are two ways to acquire language 1) acquisition and 2) learning
While acquisition is an unconscious process, learning is done consciously.
2. Natural Order Hypothesis
Certain grammatical structures are acquired before others e.g. Present Tense before
Past Tense.
3. Input Hypothesis
Language learners understand an input best if the level of it is slightly above their
own language level.
4. Affective Filter Hypothesis
Each individual possesses adjustable filters concerning their emotional state and their
attitude that are necessary for language acquisition. Teachers should, thus, motivate
their students, help them become self-confident in language learning and keep their
anxiety level as low as possible.
As there was not much detailed information on the Natural Approach in the course literature, I conducted a websearch, whereupon I discovered the a cinematographic exploration of the topic by Simón Hergueta, which is the
main source of this handout.
Bibliography
Hergueta, S. (2011, April 10). The natural approach [Video file]. Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTVbdstastI
Krashen, S. 1981. Second Language Acquisition and Second Language Learning. Oxford: Pergamon Press.
Larsen-Freeman, D.; Anderson M. 2011. Techniques & Principles in Language Teaching. Oxford: Oxford
University Press. 115.