In the context of teaching a second language, input refers to what a learner hears and processes in the target language. The importance of input in the language classroom and as an important part of language acquisition was developed and popularized by a linguist called Stephen Krashen. Krashen’s input hypothesis is a key part of a theory of second language acquisition that also includes five other hypotheses. According to Krashen, input is a necessary part of second language acquisition, but only if used correctly. The input should be at a level just beyond the student’s knowledge so that they are receiving new information. However, the input needs to be comprehensible so it cannot be at a level far beyond the student’s. In addition to being at the appropriate level, the input must also be meaningful and authentic. This means it must reflect real life processes and be produced naturally by the teacher. Since the level is just beyond the student’s knowledge, they should be challenged to produce their own output, but this should not be unobtainable. With all of these conditions, the input cannot be a grammatical explanation, or reading a list of sentences that contain a certain verb form; it must be an authentic story or presentation that is produced naturally. If it meets these standards, input is a crucial element in learning a second language.

Tips for Incorporating Input in Your Classes

• Keep students engaged! Include comprehension check questions throughout the input to encourage student involvement
• Use images, acting or music to create realistic and authentic scenarios that keep students interested
• Use expressions and act out the narration to ensure students understand
• Move around the classroom and actively engage with students while talking
• Go over words students might not understand or check their understanding through comprehensions check questions
• Use tone and speech rate to emphasize new forms and target language
• Follow up input with comprehension questions and a task which guides practice of the target language

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