Input Intake Output
Input Intake Output
characterize it and the factors influencing how we learn. Learning processes are
framed within three stages: Input, Intake, and Output.
Input refers to the oral and written language that L2 learners encounter, which must
meet two conditions:
Intake is the portion of input that is processed and stored in long-term memory. It is
defined as the subset of input that is assimilated into the learner's interlanguage
system, forming a complex cluster of mental representations resulting from the
interaction between input and intake.
Intake Processes are cognitive operations that mediate between input and intake,
including:
These processes highlight the mental mechanisms that govern second language
development, emphasizing the importance of individual cognitive capabilities in
learning.
Cognitive processes involved in language learning refer to the mental operations
and mechanisms that learners use to acquire, process, and internalize a new language.
These processes are crucial for transforming input (the language exposure) into intake
(the language that is absorbed and stored in memory) and ultimately into output (the
language that learners produce). Here are some key cognitive processes involved in
language learning:
These cognitive processes interact dynamically, influencing how learners acquire and
use a new language. Understanding these processes can help educators design
effective language instruction that aligns with how learners naturally process
language.
The Input-Intake-Output model is a framework that describes the stages involved in
language learning and acquisition. Each stage plays a crucial role in how learners
interact with a new language and how they develop their language skills. Here’s a
detailed explanation of each component and their interrelations:
1. Input
Definition: Input refers to the language that learners are exposed to, which can be oral
or written. It encompasses all the linguistic data that learners encounter through
various sources, such as teachers, textbooks, media, and conversations.
Characteristics:
Role in Learning: Input serves as the raw material for language learning. It provides
the examples and contexts from which learners can derive language rules and
structures.
2. Intake
Definition: Intake is the subset of input that learners actually process and internalize.
It represents the information that is absorbed into the learner's long-term memory and
contributes to their developing interlanguage system.
Characteristics:
3. Output
Definition: Output refers to the language that learners produce, whether in spoken or
written form. It is the manifestation of what has been internalized through the intake
process.
Characteristics:
Input to Intake: Not all input becomes intake. The effectiveness of this
transition depends on factors such as the learner's cognitive abilities, the
relevance of the input, and the strategies employed by the learner. Effective
input that is comprehensible and engaging is more likely to be processed as
intake.
Intake to Output: The intake that has been internalized can be accessed and
utilized in output. The quality and quantity of intake influence the richness and
accuracy of the output. Learners draw upon their internalized knowledge to
produce language, and this production can lead to further learning through
feedback and self-correction.
Feedback Loop: The relationship between output and input is cyclical. Output
can lead to new input (e.g., through conversations, writing, or feedback),
which can then be processed as intake, further enriching the learner's language
knowledge.