ESL Term:

Affective Filter

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affective filter: This is an imaginary wall that is placed between  a learner and language input. If the filter is on, the learner is blocking out input.  The filter turns on when anxiety is high, self-esteem is low, or motivation is low. Hence, low anxiety classes are better for language acquisition.  Another implication is that too much correction will also raise the affective filter as self-esteem in using the language drops.