1、The Natural Approach By Zhang kun Major componentsBackgroundApproachDesignProcedureConclusion BackgroundThe concept was proposed by Tracy Terrell in1977 and elaborated by Krashen and Terrells combined statement in their book The Natural Approach,published in 1983.It is different from Natural Method
2、which by 1900 had become known as Direct Method.They both conform to naturalistic principles but Natural Approach places more emphasis on comprehensible input.这里的自然法不是指19世纪出现的自然法，那时的自然法是直接法的前身，与语法-翻译法相对应，强调口语教学。这里的自然法是指70年代后期在美国出现的自然法，代表人物是克拉申（Stephen Krashen)和泰勒尔（Tracy Terrell)。自然法的指导思想是克拉申的语言习得理论，
3、这种理论重视自然的交际，强调非正式的习得，而不注重形式语法的分析。Approach Theory of languageKrashen and Terrell see communication as the primary function of language and refer to the Natural Approach as an example of a communicative approach.They emphasize the primacy of meaning and view language as a vehicle for communicating mea
4、nings and messages.Acquisition can take place only when people understand messages in the target language.Krashen和Terrell认为语言最主要的功能是沟通，它是传递信息与意义的工具，唯有了解了目的语所要传达的信息后，习得才会发生。自然法也被看作是交际法的一个例证。Theory of learningThe approach is grounded on Krashens language acquisition theory-Krashens Monitor Model.It co
5、nsists of five hypotheses.The acquisition/learning hypothesisThe monitor hypothesisThe natural order hypothesisThe input hypothesisThe affective filter hypothesis The acquisition/learning hypothesisAcquisition and learning are two independent ways of developing L2 ability.Acquisition is a subconscio
6、us process which is similar to the process of learning ones native language while learning is a conscious process in which the learner only obtains L2 linguistic knowledge.Learning,according to Krashen,can not lead to acquisition.The monitor hypothesisConscious knowledge obtained through learning ca
7、n only be used to serve as an editor under two conditions:the first condition is that the learner must be consciously concerned with accuracy and the second condition is that the learner must know the rule concerned.The natural order hypothesisThe order in which learners acquire the rules of languag
8、e is predictable but it does neither depend on the perceived formal complexities nor the sequence of teaching.The input hypothesisL2 language proficiency develops when the learner is exposed to sufficient comprehensible input which is a bit beyond the learners current level of competence.The affecti
9、ve filter hypothesisThe affective filter is a hypothesized mental barrier which may be up or down.When the learner is poorly motivated and has a high level of anxiety,the filter is up,which will prevent the input from reaching the long-term memory.The implications of the five hypotheses for language
10、 teachingAs much comprehensible input as possible must be presented.Whatever helps comprehension is important.The focus in the classroom should be on listening and reading;speaking should be allowed to“emerge”.In order to lower the affective filter,student work should center on meaningful communicat
11、ion rather than form;input should be interesting and so contribute to a relaxed classroom atmosphere.在语言习得过程中，理解性输入是关键，习得发生在理解目的语传达的意思之后。尽可能增加可理解输入，调用一切有助于理解的手段，重视输入并推迟口头表达，以及创造放松环境以降低情感阻碍，这些方法都是建立在这个思想上的。Design ObjectivesThe natural approach is for beginners and is designed to help them become inte
12、rmediates.Since the Natural Approach is offered as a general set of principles applicable to a wide variety of situations,specific objectives depend on learner needs and the skill and level being taught.The syllabusThe purpose of a language course will vary according to the needs of the students and
13、 their particular interests.As well as fitting the needs and interests of students,content selection should aim to create a low affective filter,should provide a wide exposure to vocabulary and should resist any focus on grammatical structures.Types of learning and teaching activitiesTechniques reco
14、mmended by Krashen and Terrell are often borrowed from other methods and adapted to meet the requirements of Natural Approach theory.There is nothing novel about the procedures and techniques advocated for use with the Natural Approach.What characterizes it is the use of these techniques that focus
15、on providing comprehensible input and a relaxed classroom environment.Learner rolesLearners are expected to participate in communication activities with other learners.But communication activities fail to provide learners with well-formed and comprehensible input at the I+1 level.Teacher rolesFirst,
16、the teacher is the primary source of comprehensible input in the target language.The Natural Approach demands a much more center-stage role for the teacher than do many contemporary communicative methods.Second,the teacher creates a classroom atmosphere that is interesting,friendly,and in which ther
17、e is a low affective filter for learning.This is achieved in part through such Natural Approach techniques as not demanding speech from the students before they are ready for it,not correcting students errors,and providing subject matter of high interest to students.Finally,the teacher must choose a
18、nd organize a rich mix of classroom activities,involving a variety of group sizes,content,and contexts.The role of instructional materialsThe goal of materials is to make classroom activities as meaningful as possible and to promote comprehension and communication.Pictures,schedules,advertisements,m
19、aps,books,and even games are recommended materials.The selection,reproduction,and collection of materials place a considerable burden on the teacher.ProcedureThe Natural Approach adopts techniques and activities freely from various method sources,such as Total Physical Response,Situational Language
20、teaching,Communicative Language Teaching and so on.It can be regarded as innovative only with respect to the purposes for which these methods are recommended and the ways they are used.ConclusionThe Natural Approach belongs to a tradition of language teaching methods based on observation and interpr
21、etation of how learners acquire both first and second languages in nonformal settings.Its greatest claim to originality lies not in the techniques it employs but in their use in a method that emphasizes comprehensible and meaningful practice activities.缺点缺点自然法适用于初学者，具有局限性。没有理论支撑。许多人认为克拉申提出的监察模式理论不具有可证伪性，因此不能称之为理论。此教学法的提出是在美国，对国外移民来说，那里有英语环境，英语作为“二语”（second language)可以“习得”，但对于我们来说，英语只是“外语”(foreign language),自然法的实施环境不一样了，实践情况会不会不同？Thank you!
