TMN3701
ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE 28 JUNE 2024
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Explain the significant role of input, interaction and output in the
context of additional language teaching. Provide examples to support
your answer.
Input
Definition and Importance:
Input refers to the exposure learners have to the target language. It includes
all the language they hear or read, which helps them to understand and
internalize linguistic forms and structures.
Role in Language Teaching:
Comprehensible Input: According to Stephen Krashen's Input Hypothesis,
for language acquisition to occur, learners need to be exposed to language
that is slightly above their current proficiency level, often referred to as "i+1".
This kind of input is understandable to the learner but includes some
elements that are new, facilitating learning.
Examples:
Listening Activities: Teachers play audio recordings of conversations, stories,
or news reports that match the learners' proficiency level but introduce new
vocabulary and structures.
Reading Materials: Providing learners with texts that are interesting and
slightly challenging can help them acquire new language structures.
Interaction
Definition and Importance:
Interaction involves communication between learners and speakers of the
target language. This interaction is essential for practicing language skills in a
real-world context and for the social aspect of language learning.
Role in Language Teaching:
Negotiation of Meaning: Interaction allows learners to negotiate meaning,
which means they can ask for clarification, repeat information, and rephrase
sentences. This process helps them understand and produce the target
language more accurately.
, Examples:
Group Work: Involving learners in group activities where they must discuss,
solve problems, or complete tasks together encourages them to use the
language actively.
Role-Playing: Simulating real-life situations where learners must use the
language to interact, such as ordering food at a restaurant or asking for
directions.
Output
Definition and Importance:
Output refers to the language that learners produce, either through speaking
or writing. Producing language is a critical step in solidifying knowledge and
improving fluency.
Role in Language Teaching:
Practice and Refinement: Through producing language, learners can test
their hypotheses about the target language and receive feedback, which
helps refine their language skills.
Examples:
Speaking Activities: Engaging students in discussions, presentations, or
storytelling sessions where they must articulate their thoughts in the target
language.
Writing Assignments: Assigning essays, reports, or creative writing tasks
that require students to organize their thoughts and express them in writing.
Integration of Input, Interaction, and Output
The interplay between input, interaction, and output creates a dynamic and
effective language learning environment. Here’s how they work together:
Input leads to Interaction: Learners use the language they have been
exposed to (input) during interactions. For example, after listening to a story,
learners might discuss its content in groups.
Interaction enhances Input and Output: Interaction provides opportunities for
learners to process input more deeply and practice output. When negotiating
meaning, learners must understand (input) and respond (output).
Output solidifies Learning: