The Importance of the Affective Filter

The Importance of the Affective Filter

When you are angry or scared or upset, it’s difficult to learn. As a teacher, it’s important to realize the importance of the “affective filter”, that invisible wall that rises between the learner and the classroom whenever the learner’s stress level is high – when the affective filter is high, little learning will occur. Many of your ELLs enter the classroom worried because they can’t understand the English language, or because they don’t fit in, or because they are afraid of embarrassing themselves – and there could be a whole other set of home or school reasons contributing to their stress level. Always work to lower the affective filter of your students. How can you do this?

First, research shows that one factor that correlates highly with the rapid acquisition of English is that the ELL feels a part of the classroom community. Work to ensure that the student feels like he or she belongs, and is a valued part of the classroom. You might assign some classroom role to the ELL, and always recognize your ELL students in the class and in the hallways. Learn to pronounce the student’s name correctly, and let them know that you know they are there.

Make your classroom a place where students are not afraid to speak. If your ELLs feel that they might be ridiculed for their speech, they will not participate. Work with the class to ensure that everyone can contribute without being made fun of. Be aware of the fact that many of your ELLs are embarrassed to use what English they know – be supportive and encouraging of them. Cooperative learning is a great way to encourage students to speak English in a more non-threatening environment. Be careful when correcting an ELL’s speech – you don’t want to make them afraid TO speak. The best way is to simply repeat what they said correctly.

Be aware that when students use their native language in the classroom that much of the time they are helping each other understand by translating or explain, and be careful of prohibiting the use of native language. Just watch them – if they are off topic, you’ll be able to tell!

Finally, SMILE. You might now be able to understand the language being used around you, but everyone understands a smile!