Modifying Instruction for Newcomers: Comprehensible Input

What is Comprehensible Input?

Stephen Krashan introduced the concept of comprehensible input in the early 1980's. Krashen's hypothesis states that ELs learn and acquire language when they receive input (oral or written) that is only slightly about their current level (i+1). This means that the oral and written input we provide students should be mostly understandable, with only a few words or structures that are unknown or new to the students. Students will be able to understand the message and learn additional language in the process. 

At the newcomer level, comprehensible input is made up of short, simple sentences with known or learned words and phrases, with a few new words or language structures, added to get the +1 in the i+1.

The following video is an excellent example of how a teacher can take unknown information and make content comprehensible in the target language for ANY language learner.

Why is comprehensible input important?

This example demonstrates how much a newcomer might be able to understand if attention is not given to making input comprehensible. As you can see, the student is only understanding high-frequency words, some numbers, and some articles and common prepositions. Is the newcomer in this scenario able to learn the new information? Is the newcomer understanding enough to even know what they are being asked to do? At best, we can tell that it seems like some sort of math problem.

When the input a newcomer is being asked to understand is not comprehensible, they will most likely just shut down. When the student shuts down, no further learning of language or content is possible.

How do I make my input comprehensible?

There are many ways to make input comprehensible for students. Some of these include:

              Appropriate Speech

              * Moderate speed
              * Free from figurative language
              * Moderate volume
              * Use consistent vocabulary (e.g.: restroom and bathroom)

             

              Simplified Language/Text

              * Free from figurative language
              * Simple sentences
              * Highlighted text
              * First language (L1) clarification

You can also provide visuals with oral or written input. Do you know how to find images with Explore while using Google docs or slides? It is very easy. Just click Tools - Explore- type in the object you want a picture of - click Image. You should get a display of images to pick from. I like this method rather than using Insert - Image, because Explore documents the source of the image and most images are from Creative Commons. I suggest creating a folder in your Google drive of images you will use again.  It would be great to share these with fellow content area teachers. 

To make oral language comprehensible, Total Physical Response (TPR) is a great tool. For TPR you use gestures, body language or act things out for the students.

Comprehensible input is NOT 'dumbing things down'!

When you focus on comprehensibility you are simplifying the language, not the content.  It is possible to convey complex ideas in simple language, especially if you are using appropriate scaffolds and supports.