Comprehensible input is an instructional shift where teachers provide input where students understand most, but not all, of the language. The theory of comprehensible input comes from recognized linguist, Dr. Stephen Krashen. In his Theory of Second Language Acquisition, he states that students are able to acquire new language when instruction is delivered in language just beyond students’ current level of proficiency.

  • The teacher uses the target language at least 90 percent of the time. Examples 
  • The teacher demonstrates and models to make input comprehensible. Students learn vocabulary from using it in language-rich contexts such as stories, hands-on experiences, picture descriptions, or subject-matter content. Examples 
  • The teacher uses a variety of strategies to make language comprehensible, monitors student comprehension, and makes adjustments as necessary. Examples 
  • The teacher avoids the use of translation by using verbal and non-verbal strategies and also avoids eliciting translation from students.

 BUILD YOUR PRACTICE

1. Watch introductory videos below.
2. Complete STARTALK LEARN Module: Using the Target Language & Providing Comprehensible Input

Comprehensible Input - Part 1

Comprehensible Input - Part 2

Comprehensible Input - Part 3

Comprehensible Input - Part 4

Comprehensible Input - Part 5

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