zero option

What does the term " zero option" mean in language learning?

[RonBee]

Zero option

“‘Zero option’ refers to the proposal advanced by a number of SLA researchers (e.g. Dulay and Burt 1973, Krashen 1982) and applied linguists…that grammar instruction should be abandoned in favour of creating opportunities for natural language use of the kind found in untutored settings…The zero position entails not only a rejection of planned intervention in L2 learning (i.e., by presenting and practicing grammatical features) but also of unplanned intervention (i.e. incidental error correction). Krashen (1982: 74) refers to error correction as a ‘serious mistake’. He argues that it puts students on the defensive and encourages then [sic] to avoid using difficult constructions for fear of making mistakes. Also it may disrupt the focus on communication. However, although the zero option prohibits overt correction, it does tolerate incidental feedback of the kind found in caretaker talk to young children” (pp. 47-48).
http://mordor.ccm.itesm.mx/~tsalsbur/Ellis.html

For more, go here: http://ms101.mysearch.com/jsp/GGmain...ge+learning%22

[dduck]

Does anyone here agree with this 'zero option'? Personally, I've met students who perfer heavy error correction and others who hate it. In my opinion, Krashen's comment that students are inhibited by correction is a gross generalization.

Iain

[Red5]

Originally Posted by dduck

Does anyone here agree with this 'zero option'? Personally, I've met students who perfer heavy error correction and others who hate it. In my opinion, Krashen's comment that students are inhibited by correction is a gross generalization.

Also, why not take a look at this weblog entry: http://www.usingenglish.com/weblog/archives/000034.html

[Red5]

Also, this poll: http://www.usingenglish.com/poll/index.php?poll_id=51

:D

[RonBee]

The writer I quoted says that the zero option has been proven not to work in practice.

[Tdol]

Some of Krashen points, like not using finely-tuned imput all the time do make sense. I think this one is more wishful thinking than serious theory, like emergent reading and other ideas that sound nice on paper.

Thank you all.