“Why do we need teachers at all? The most obvious answer is that teachers know things that the students don’t, be it the most efficient fingering for a sequence of notes or the difference between a diminished chord and an augmented chord. Another reason, of course, is that teachers can serve as motivators…”

“Clearly, our students are not computers. We know that the way we talk influences and reflects the way we think. One problem with ‘input’ is that it ascribes passivity to learners…”

“The language teaching profession involves teachers who are at different stages of their professional development. The field is very dynamic and teachers often find it difficult to keep up with changes…”

“Don’t teach AT students. Teach OFF them.”

“Language acquisition proceeds best when the acquirer is open to input, not on the defensive; not anxious about performance.”