Krashen's Second Language Acquisition Theory Put Into Practice: An ESP Curriculum for Adult Male Offenders

Abstract

This study discusses Stephen Krashen's theory of second language acquisition and how it can be applied to writing an English as a Second Language (ESL) curriculum. This curriculum will be used for adult male offenders who have varied backgrounds of first language learning. Some are literate in their first language, some merely speakers of it. They have a common need, however, to be able to function in an institution where English is the primary language used and that means they must acquire enough ability in English to be able to take orders from corrections officers or supervisors at jobs within the institution and also to be able to write documents that will enable them to access services that they may need, such as health, dental, or business matters. The curriculum uses elements of Krashen and Terrell's Natural Approach as its foundation. It is written using the Wisconsin Instructional Design System (WIDS), a computer program that aids in writing performance-based curriculum.