Affective Filter(s)
Jeri...@utxvm.cc.utexas.edu
the rate and amount of attainment in SLA, that this filter has both
learner internal as well as learner external properties?
jeri...@utxvm.cc.utexas.edu
robb scott
now really dated alongside things people are looking
at today, but as I recall, an affective filter is
a psychological construct meant to represent the degree
to which a learner's own misgivings, discomfort, etc...
impede his/her brain's "natural" language acquisition.
So, by definition, the filter itself is internal, although
factors which strengthen or weaken it could be external(as
in learning environment) or internal(as in learning style).
On the other hand, now that I read this as I am writing it,
I think I see what you mean, in that the filter can be
thought of as the interplay between internal and external
characteristics of the learning situation. Nice observation.
Thank you for raising that point.
Robb Scott/ rbscott@cutcv2/ teachers college columbia university
Eileen Prince
Thank you.
Eileen Prince
Jeri...@utxvm.cc.utexas.edu
for further info. about the Natural Approach.
Eileen Prince
robb scott
and Krashen. The various components of this approach
were derived from a the work of a number of researchers,
including Burt & Dulay, who I believe were responsible
for the research that led to constructs such as the
affective filter.
A lot has happened since this research first came out
in the early 80s, and I think it is erroneous to suggest
that the natural approach is the only fully worked out
one available for language teachers wishing to utilize
SLA research. McGlaughlin (spelling?) put out a very
nice overview of various approaches, leading up to
his own favorite, the cognitive approach, this text
appearing in the late 80s. These days there are
plenty of "Krashen-bashers" around to greet Stephen
Krashen when he appears, but he is still generally
accorded ESL/FL-guru status.
Other interesting names these days are Nunan, Fanselow,
Candlin, Rivers(who certainly has gone far beyond the
Natural Approach, but then again wa
was always on a different plane from those discussions),
Earl Stevick, and the list goes on.
The Natural Approach served the purpose of raising
awareness and encouraging teachers to consider such
things as learning styles, motivation, and class
setting. But too often now I think dwelling on the
ramifications of the natural approach simply lulls
teachers to sleep with a false sense of security
about their own current teaching practices.
Think I'll run over and see how that game turned
out.
Later,