Comprehensible Directions

What is Comprehensible Input?

Comprehensible input means that students should be able to understand the essence of what is being said or presented to them. This does not mean, however, that teachers must use only words students understand. In fact, instruction can be incomprehensible even when students know all of the words. Students learn a new language best when they receive input that is just a bit more difficult than they can easily understand. In other words, students may understand most, but not all, words the teacher is using.

Best Practices for Giving Directions to MLs

• Directions should be given both orally and in writing

  • When speaking:

    • Slow rate of speech

    • Avoid confusing idioms

• Directions should be given in a step-by-step format (versus lengthy written out directions)

• Teacher modeling of process to complete an activity

• Model of final product

• Provide an outline for MLs to follow

• Provide choice whenever possible

• Use gestures and visuals whenever possible

• Explain unknown vocabulary