Q. So the big problem is that we haven’t been really following what Dr. Krashen says?
A. I would say that the big problem is that we haven’t been trusting that the kids will learn the language if we just speak to them naturally.
Q. So should one then not even try to teach a language in a school setting?
A. I think that it can be done, as long as we don’t focus on the wrong things.
Q. What are the wrong things?
A. Things like skill building, teaching word lists, thematic units using stories, using stories to teach grammar, making students produce speech and writing output too early by making them demonstrate that they can ask or respond to a question, introduce someone, etc. when the students are far from ready to do that level of output in any authentic way. Memorizing does not lead to acquisition and has no business in a comprehension based classroom.