The Affective Filter Hypothesis
One of Krashen's Hypothesis
Most affective variables favoring second language
"This hypothesis addresses affective or social-emotional variables related to second language acquisition." (Boyle & Peregoy) The five variables that are discussed are 1. self confidence, 2. low anxiety, 3. learning environment, 4. student motivation, 5. self esteem.
Why I choose this hypothesis....
After reading about the five hypothesis, I choose this one because of the five variables that were discussed. I think it's so important to have an enviroment for our ELLs that is low anxiety. As a teacher, you'd want your students to feel comfortable in class. If students are stressed and not comfortable in class, it's harder for them to open up and participate.
I love how it talked about student motivation. It's so hard to teach someone who doesn't want to be there. If the student is motivated and eager to learn, it makes it a lot easier for them. They want to learn the language, they'll be willing to do whatever it takes.
It's important that students have self confidence. I know that when I don't feel confident in a task I'm doing, it shows. We need to build our students up so they are confident in all that they do. I believe that when you are confident in what you're doing, you will succeed.
"Talking is not practicing"
I would agree with Krashen when he says "Talking is not practicing." I probably wouldn't have agreed if I hadn't watched the video. When he first gave the little lesson in German, I had no clue what he was saying. Once he gave the lesson again and pointed to his hands and drew the picture as he was speaking in German, I was able to understand more. Watching his video really opens my eyes to the way that we teach. More and more, I see the importance of using pictures or objects to help students understand the words they are learning. I would never have thought I would be able to understand a little German, just from watching a video.