Accelerative Learning & The Natural Approach

Last week in Lesson 3 we began to examine the Natural Approach and it's tenets. Then came the translation of the natural approach to the natural order of learning, easy to apply to learning a new language AND also relevant to corporate applications where new technical or business information follows a natural order. This natural order implies that when introducing new content, start with information that is relevant and pertinent to the student first.

Lesson 4 takes the next step: examining the connections between Accelerative Learning and the Natural Approach. If the Natural Approach deals with acquisition of content vs learning about the content, how does this translate to Accelerative Learning? How does it show up in the self study lessons thus far? What are practical examples that you can share from your ICAL workshop experiences? Add your perspectives in the comments and check out what your colleagues have to say . . .

The Natural Approach

Originally developed by Dr. Stephen Krashen at the University of California, this theory deals with language acquisition vs. language learning.

Language acquisition is about using the language in real life situations. Language learning relates to knowing about the language but not necessarily being able to use it in a practical way.

The Natural Approach is based on the following tenets:

• The Acquisition/Learning Hypothesis


• The Monitor Hypothesis


• The Natural Order Hypothesis


• The Input Hypothesis


• The Affective Filter Hypothesis

What are your interpretations of each of these tenets? Share your ideas in the comments area below and check out what your self-study colleagues think. . . .

Outcomes for Self Study Program

When thinking about outcomes, the focus is on precise and quantifiable results. An outcome is something that follows as a result or consequence. So what specifically to you want to achieve as a result of participating in and completing this self study program? Remember to state your outcomes in positive terms, describing what you will see, hear and feel as a result of being part of the self study program.

Take a moment to add some ideas about your outcomes in the comments field below. Just click on the active comments link. You may need to set up a google account if prompted - for this you can still use one of your current email addresses.

Welcome to the Self Study Program!

Welcome to the self-study blog. We are delighted to have a select group of participants for this July 2011 roll out. Some of you may have attended ICAL training recently. This program will build on the knowledge you have already acquired and allow you to explore the methodology at a deeper level. You will be mentored virtually by ICAL team members and this is a great opportunity to continue your professional development and application of the methodology. If you are completing this program as your first introduction to ICAL and Accelerative Learning, this self-study will give you a sound foundation in the methodology.

Certain assignments will require you to to visit the blog and communicate with your fellow participants. We encourage you to use the blog to seek guidance, share experiences and build an Accelerative Learning community.

We're looking forward to working with you!

The ICAL Team