What does the Natural Order Hypothesis suggest about the learning of grammatical structures?

The Natural Order Hypothesis posits that the acquisition of grammatical structures occurs in a predictable and natural sequence. This means that certain grammatical elements are learned before others, regardless of the specific teaching methods employed or the learners' backgrounds. The hypothesis, developed by linguist Stephen Krashen, suggests that language learners tend to internalize language rules in a specific order that is consistent across individuals.

This understanding is significant in the context of language education because it helps educators to scaffold instruction and tailor their teaching methods to align with the natural progression of language acquisition. By recognizing and respecting this sequence, teachers can create more effective language learning environments and activities that promote deeper understanding and retention of grammatical structures.