Monitor: is the mental editor
There are two functions of the Monitor:
1. In reception:
a. when a person tries to learn a rule by reading about it in a grammar book, b. by attending a class where the teacher describes a rule.
2. In production:
a. when a person performs a drill that requires conscious attention to linguistic form, b. when a learner memorize a dialogue or a story.
- Three conditions for Monitor use:
1.Time: In order to think about and use conscious rules effectively, a second language learner needs to have time.
2.Focus on form: The performer must also be focused on form, or thinking about correctness to get his message across in an understandable way to the listener(s).
3.Know the rule: This is very formidable requirement. If rules are not known ( learner does not know the rule), the Monitor will not be helpful or used.