Foreign Language Education the Easy Way

by Stephen D. Krashen

In this little treasure, the world s leading second-language acquisition theorist expounds in brief his hypotheses, most notably that comprehensible input results in language acquisition. He proposes what he believes constitute the components of an effective foreign language program at various stages of acquisition, emphasizing ways to provide aural comprehensible input as well as reading. He deals with various practical issues, among them differences between foreign-language programs and second-language programs as well as activities that are effective for bringing about true competence in a second or foreign language and activities that are not.

Genres: Nonfiction

62 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Stephen Krashen is professor emeritus at the University of Southern California, who moved from the linguistics department to the faculty of the School of Education in 1994. He is a linguist, educational researcher, and activist.

Dr. Krashen has published more than 350 papers and books, contributing to the fields of second-language acquisition, bilingual education, and reading. He is credited with introducing various influential concepts and terms in the study of second-language acquisition, including the acquisition-learning hypothesis, the input hypothesis, the monitor hypothesis, the affective filter, and the natural order hypothesis. Most recently, Krashen promotes the use of free voluntary reading during second-language acquisition, which he says "is the most powerful tool we have in language education, first and second."

Dr. Krashen also holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and was the winner of the 1978 Venice Beach Open Incline Press. He spent two years in Ethiopia teaching English and science with the Peace Corps.

Reviews

[Daniel L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Easy-to-Read Primer on Foreign Language Education

In a field where much of what is said is politically motivated hot air, Stephen Krashen is a welcome voice of common sense. Dr. Krashen, who holds a PhD in linguistics, has written many scholarly articles and books on all aspects of language learning, from teaching reading and basic literacy skills to second- and foreign-language learning.
"Foreign Language Education - The Easy Way follows in that proud tradition. Dr. Krashen gives a brief, but detailed, overview of theory before going into what a foreign- or second-language program should encompass. Finally, the author goes over issues in foreign language education, that is the conditions classroom teachers are likely to face in real life, such as a lack of opportunity to practice and communicate native speakers.

As in "The Natural Approach," which I recommend as a supplement to this short volume, Dr. Krashen urges teachers of students, elementary through adult, to provide as much exposure to the target language ("Comprehensible Input") as possible, definitely a commonsense and proven approach I plan to use with my elementary-school and adult ESL students in the future. Unfortunately, many people disparage Krashen; however, much of that is not a reflection of his foreign-language pedagogy, but rather his unpopular political and educational views. I follow Dr. Krashen's blog; like this book, it makes a lot of sense.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book, since it's the book Steve Kaufmann talks about as the basis of his ideas of language learning. I found the book really interesting, expanding on the ideas I had already heard from some of Steve's YouTube videos. I think intuitively this has been always my approach. Although I think output like speaking and writing could come to language learning a little bit earlier than in this method. But I think the idea that you don't get corrected on everything reduces anxiety and adds to learning. I used to write my diary in English and no one ever saw this and I made a lot of mistakes, but I was also using the language and eventually I got better.

So, mainly the book confirmed a lot what I empirically have found true (isn't that the confirmation bias...). However, my knowledge is based on what has worked for me, while Dr. Krashen has actually quantitative data to back his opinion up. While based on academic research, the book is very easy and interesting read. Would recommend for any language learners.

[Duoshellg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great quick read to get ideas on Comprehensible Input for teaching students to acquire a foreign language in the classroom.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always looking for advice on effective foreign language acquisition methods, and his approach is vastly superior to traditional ones.