Chapter 2. Input and output in SLA

This chapter offers second language (L2) instructors pedagogical perspectives for the position articulated by VanPatten in Chapter 1 of this volume that language consists of two distinct domains: (1) mental representation and (2) the ability to use language (i.e., skill). The author reviews some pedagogical practices that have been influential over the years in light of this perspective and offers L2 instructors ideas for creating classroom activities that help foster the development of these two domains of language. In addition to structured input and structured output activities (which have been well established and researched in SLA circles), the author offers some new ideas to create engaging input and output activities for the L2 classroom. These activities include the use of film as the medium to deliver input as well as to encourage the creation of extended meaningful output.

• Affiliations: 1: Ohio State University