Anyone who teaches languages has most likely heard of him, and those who haven't really ought to have, or - better - should make a start now on reading his stuff. I'm talking about the man who brought us the theories of comprehensible input, acquisition-learning hypothesis, the Natural Approach, the silent period, i+1, monitor theory, affective filter and free and voluntary reading (not sure if he "fathered" those last ones, but he certainly brought them into the collective conscience of English language educators). He's also been a strident advocate of bilingual education for a very long time - and continues to battle the critics on this and a small host of other issues.
Yes, I'm talking about Stephen Krashen, of course!
Well, Stephen has been pouring his experience, expertise and research findings onto his own website (Books and Articles by Stephen D Krashen) for quite some time now. It's a brilliant resource, and one really worth exploring.
One of the things I really like about Stephen is his willingness and genuine interest in engaging with language educators, whether they be grizzled veteran research writers ready for another round of sparring, or teachers new and fresh to the profession. He's one of those generous experts who will reply to your email, and is always ready to share knowledge.
Here's some trivia about Stephen you may not know (and I'm relying here on the word from a US colleague who saw Stephen speak and appeared to know a lot about his background, so let's hope this isn't hogwash!). Apparently in his younger days he was a professional body-builder!
The same colleague also told me about a Krashen seminar he attended, and Stephen was introducing the idea of affective filter. He abruptly changed track and announced that the entire front row was going to learn some basic German and get up in front of the entire audience and perform it... NOW! As the row of people referred to immediately began to recoil and squirm in alarm, Stephen turned to the rest of the audience and said "That, folks, is what I mean by the concept of affective filter."
Would have liked to have seen that one!
:-)
