Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching
Editors: Terry Lamb (University of Sheffield) & Hayo Reinders (University of Auckland)
Book Review Editor Desirée Castillo, Universidad de Sonora, Mexico
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Volume: 1 Number: 1 Page: 2–13
doi:10.2167/illt039.0
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The Four Strands
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Paul Nation
Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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The activities in a language course can be classified into the four strands of meaning-focused input, meaning-focused output, language-focused learning and fluency development. In a well designed course there should be an even balance of these strands with roughly equal amounts of time given to each strand. The research evidence for the strands draws on the input hypothesis and learning from extensive reading, the output hypothesis, research on form-focused instruction, and the development of speaking and reading fluency. The paper concludes with 10 principles based largely on the four strands. The strands framework and the principles provide a basis for managing innovation in language courses.
Keywords: four strands, curriculum, input, output, fluency
© 2007 P. Nation
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