How to create an optimal environment for language learning
(1) Emotions and thoughts
Learning takes place in a warm emotional climate where students feel self-confident, free, and highly motivated.
Positive emotions = greater chance for success
Emotions and thoughts cannot be separated.
Stephen Krashen's Affective Filter hypothesis:
"...the brain erects a filter to block out second language input, no matter how carefully designed that input might be. The filter goes up in the presence of anxiety, low self-confidence, or in the absence of motivation."
Therefore, it's important to break down walls to reach students.
As a Spanish language teacher, I can create a "warm emotional climate" by:
- providing instruction in a variety of modes
- using positive language and humor
- building healthy relationships with students
- reinforcing that errors are part of the learning process
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Source:
101 Best Strategies for Teaching World Languages (Bureau of Education & Research)
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