Input,+Output,+and+Comprehension

- Jonathan Hooper**
 * Note: I think I integrated this (accidentally) into another wikipage. I wanted to be sure to have every component, so I created an additional page. This note is just for clarity.



• **Input** - What is input in the ESL classroom?

Input is anything that the student is subjected to in L2. Input does not mean that the students especially understands the content; however, it is what is presented to the student.

• **Output** - What does “output” mean and how it is important to the language acquisition process?

Output is when an ESL student takes input, turns it into intake, and creates meaningful communication in L2.

• **Role of Interaction** - What is the role of interaction and how does it relate to language use and acquisition?

Interaction is critical for the ESL student. Through interaction, the ESL student is able to communicate with peers and test hypotheses.

• **Comprehension** - How do the preceding three items encourage and promote comprehension?

Input - Giving ESL students input creates the situations where they can expound in L2. Comprehension in L2 is thus promoted. Output - Output gives the ESL student a means to test hypotheses and become proficient in comprehending L2. Interaction - Gives the ESL student a means to test hypotheses AND also gives the student socialization.

Classroom Tips
 * Input** - Give students many, many experiences hearing L2. This repetition will help turn input into intake. Read to your ESL students in L2. Play music during activities that speak in L2.
 * Output** - Give students many, many experiences speaking in L2. Practice speaking in L2 will help the students understand what is being said. Allow your students to participate in choral reading. Allow your students to participate in poetry performances. Allow your students to participate in dramatizing activities. All of those activities will foster output.


 * Interaction** - Give students opportunities to communicate with peers. Interaction with peers is so important for the ESL student. Allow students to interact by the use of collaborative projects. This will foster learning in L2 while students are working on projects in content areas. Allow students to participate in debates. These debates will foster emotional and language growth in students.


 * Comprehension** - Give comprehension checks to your students. Ask the students to summarize what you have said. Allow the use of a gesture - thumbs up/down - to show comprehension. Allow students to predict what will happen next in a story. All of these things will foster comprehension. Additionally, students will begin to experience metacognition.


 * I know one fabulous resource! BrainpopESL[[image:i_heart_moby-211x100.jpg]] **

Mr. Hooper 1234 Exciting ESL Way Jackson, TN 38301 (731) 123-4567 mrhooper@bis.edu