The natural method of Stephen Krashen, an American linguist and researcher in the field of language acquisition, forms the foundation of our teaching approach. In our language school, we believe that learning a language doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful – and Krashen shows how to achieve this. In this post, we will discuss what the natural method is, why it is so effective, and how we use it to provide our students with the best conditions for achieving language success.

What is the Natural Method?

Krashen’s natural method is based on five key hypotheses about foreign language acquisition, which together create an approach that closely resembles the natural process of language learning, similar to how children acquire their native language. Instead of focusing on grammar rules and intensive repetition, Krashen suggests that language is learned most effectively when it is acquired in an unforced way, emphasizing understanding and context.

Here are Krashen’s main hypotheses:

1. Acquisition versus Learning Hypothesis: He distinguishes between language acquisition (a natural process similar to how children learn to speak) and conscious learning, which involves grammar rules. Krashen believes that acquisition is the key to language fluency.

2. Comprehensible Input Hypothesis: According to this hypothesis, we learn best when we encounter language that is slightly more difficult than our current level but still understandable through context. Krashen calls this “input +1.” This way, we gradually and naturally expand our vocabulary and grammar.

3. Affective Filter Hypothesis: If students are stressed, they may block new information, which is why it’s essential to create a relaxed and positive environment. The affective filter must be lowered for the student to be open to new content.

4. Monitor Hypothesis: This hypothesis states that awareness of grammar rules can serve as a tool for self-monitoring, but it should not dominate over natural language acquisition.

5. Natural Order Hypothesis: People learn grammatical structures in a set sequence, regardless of how they are presented in textbooks. Therefore, Krashen believes it is better to focus on communication rather than forcing the mastery of grammar rules in a specific order.

Why is the Natural Method Effective?

The natural method makes language learning more friendly and intuitive, leading to better retention and higher efficiency. This method:

• Increases engagement – Students can feel more comfortable and confident, making it easier to absorb the material. They don’t feel excessive stress or pressure related to accuracy.
• Naturally develops vocabulary and grammar – Through regular exposure to comprehensible input, students automatically acquire new words and grammatical structures, making the language more useful and practical.
• Builds authentic communication skills – By focusing on communication and understanding, students develop the ability to think in the foreign language, which is key to fluency.

How Do We Use the Natural Method in Our School?

In our language school, the natural method is the foundation of every course. We ensure that the learning process resembles natural language acquisition in a friendly atmosphere, through:

• Applying “input +1” – Our teachers adjust the difficulty of materials to the student’s level, so that new content is slightly challenging but always understandable. We use authentic materials such as podcasts, movies, articles – which help ground the language in context.
• Creating a friendly learning environment – Our classes are designed to make students feel comfortable. We ensure that stress does not hinder the learning process. This makes it easier for students to engage in communication and confidently take on new challenges.
• Focusing on communication rather than perfection – Our students learn that mistakes are part of the process, and fluency is more important than immediate accuracy. We often use techniques like storytelling, role-playing, and discussions to develop communication skills without stress.

Summary

Stephen Krashen’s natural method changes the way we learn foreign languages, making this process more accessible, friendly, and effective. With this method, our students build confidence in using the language and learn in a way that best matches their natural ability to acquire it. We are convinced that, thanks to the natural method, our students not only learn the language but also learn how to think and feel comfortable in it. We invite you to discover languages in our school – naturally, effectively, and enjoyably!