FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

According to Krashen's Natural Approach, language acquisition occurs in alignment with what?

1. The frequency of language exposure

2. The complexity of the language

3. The stages of acquisition in children's natural learning

4. The use of technology in language learning

The correct answer is: The stages of acquisition in children's natural learning

The rationale behind the concept of stages of acquisition in children's natural learning is central to Krashen's Natural Approach. This theory posits that language acquisition happens in a manner similar to how children learn their first language, which unfolds through a series of developmental stages rather than through direct instruction or rote memorization. In Krashen's paradigm, the process of acquiring a new language mirrors the natural progression observed in children, who typically move from understanding simple words and phrases to more complex sentences and language structures over time. This gradual transition suggests that learners naturally advance through different stages as they gain more exposure to the language in a meaningful context. This approach underscores the importance of providing a rich, comprehensible linguistic environment where learners can engage with language in a way that is relevant and contextualized, further enhancing their ability to absorb and understand language over time. Consequently, the other options do not directly align with Krashen's principles, as they focus on aspects that, while relevant to language learning, do not encapsulate the inherent stages of natural language acquisition emphasized in his theory.