TESOL students, get ready to dive into two cornerstone concepts in second language acquisition: comprehensible input and comprehensible output. Pioneered by linguist Stephen Krashen, these ideas have shaped ESL teaching for decades. Let’s break them down!
What is Comprehensible Input?
- The Key: Language learners must receive input (language they hear or read) that is just slightly above their current level of understanding. Think of it as the “Goldilocks Zone” of difficulty – not too easy, not too hard.
- Not Just Words: Input includes grammar, but also visuals, gestures, context clues – anything that aids comprehension.
- Why It Matters: We don’t learn by being fed rules and vocabulary lists! We acquire language similar to how babies do – by being immersed in it at a level we can mostly grasp, then figuring out the rest.
What is Comprehensible Output?
- The Act of Production: This is when learners try to use the new language themselves, through speaking or writing. Don’t focus on perfect grammar at first, the main point is communicating.
- Errors are OK: Output is a safe space for experimenting. Mistakes are expected and valuable clues for the teacher about what needs further practice.
- Builds Confidence: Even producing slightly flawed language gives learners ownership, much more motivating than only ever being passive recipients.
How Are Input & Output Connected?
- The Cycle of Learning: Ideally, strong input paves the way for meaningful output. Students hear/see how the language works, internalize it, then attempt to use it themselves.
- Teacher’s Role: We provide both! Carefully selected readings, engaging videos = input. Activities that promote genuine communication = output.
- It’s Not a Competition: While both are vital, some learners naturally need more input before feeling ready to produce, others jump right into speaking. Respect this variation!
How Are Input & Output Different?
- Control: With input, we teachers have more control over the language level. Output is messier, as students are still figuring it out.
- Focus: Input emphasizes comprehension, while output is about getting students’ ideas out there, even with imperfections.
- Inner vs. Outer: Input is how language gets IN, output is how it comes OUT. Both are necessary for it to truly stick!
Tips for TESOL Teachers:
- Flood Them With Input: Make your classroom rich with varied sources: stories, songs, real-world objects, conversations with visuals added…
- Reduce Anxiety: Low-stakes output tasks are key, especially early on. Start with pair work, short written responses, rather than a spotlight on solo speaking.
- Notice the Gap: If output is full of errors you JUST covered, their input wasn’t comprehensible enough. Revisit with simpler texts, more visuals, etc.
Comprehensible input and output are powerful tools in our ESL teacher toolkit. By understanding their relationship and how to skillfully foster both in the classroom, we support our learners’ natural ability to acquire language, making the process enjoyable and effective.