Language Teaching Methods: An Overview

What is the best teaching method for learning English?

According to academic research, linguists have demonstrated that there is not one single best method for everyone in all contexts, and that no one teaching method is inherently superior to the others.

Also, it is not always possible – or appropriate – to apply the same methodology to all learners, who have different objectives, environments and learning needs.

Applying the most appropriate method for that learner’s specific objectives, learning style and context.

An experienced professional language teacher always adopts the Principled Eclecticism approach, deciding on the most suitable techniques and applying the most appropriate methodology for that learner’s specific objectives, learning style and context.

Methods of teaching English have developed rapidly, especially in the previous 40 years. As a language learner, training manager, or teacher, it is important to understand the various methods and techniques so that you are able to navigate the market, make educated choices, and boost your enjoyment of learning a language.

An Overview

Each teaching method is based on a particular vision of understanding the language or the learning process, often using specific techniques and materials used in a set sequence.

The main methodologies are listed below in the chronological order of their development:

• Grammar Translation – the classical method
• Direct Method – discovering the importance of speaking
• Audio-lingualism – the first modern methodology
• Humanistic Approaches – a range of holistic methods applied to language learning
• Communicative Language Teaching – the modern standard method
• Principled Eclecticism – fitting the method to the learner, not the learner to the method

 Embed this image | View large version

What are the Differences?

Each method has a different focus or priority, so let’s look at what this means in practical terms in the classroom.

The more common methods have a link to a separate page with more details and an explanation of how they work, including the most common method currently used – Communicative Language Teaching:

Method	Focus	Characteristics
Grammar Translation	Written literary texts	Translate from English into your native language
Direct Method (also called Natural Method)	Everyday spoken language	Student learns by associating meaning directly in English
Audio-Lingual Method	Sentence and sound patterns	Listening and speaking drills and pattern practice only in English
Cognitive Code Approach	Grammar rules	English grammar rules deduced and then understood in context
Humanistic Approaches – 4 popular examples:
- The Silent Way	Student interaction rather than teacher	Teacher is silent to allow student awareness of how English works
- Suggestopedia	Meaningful texts and vocabulary	Relaxed atmosphere, with music; encourages subliminal learning of English
- Community Language Learning	Student interaction	Understanding of English through active student interaction
- Comprehension Approach (Natural Approach, the Learnables, and Total Physical Response)	Listening comprehension	English speaking delayed until students are ready; meaning clarified through actions and visuals
Communicative Language Teaching	Interaction, authentic communication and negotiating meaning	Understanding of English through active student interaction; role play, games, information gaps
Content-based, Task-based, and Participatory Approaches	What is being communicated, not structure of English	Content based on relevance to students’ lives: topics, tasks, problem-solving
Learning Strategy Training, Cooperative Learning, and Multiple Intelligences	How to learn	Teach learning strategies, cooperation; activities vary according to different intelligences

Based on Techniques and Principles in Language Teaching (Oxford University Press)

Modern Teaching Methods

As mentioned above, the modern language teacher doesn’t follow one rigid method, but applies the Principled Eclecticism approach – fitting the method to the learner, not vice versa.

This means choosing the techniques and activities that are appropriate for each particular task, context and learner, with a focus on motivation and helping learners become independent and inspired to learn more.

The explanation of Principled Eclecticism also includes a useful ten-point guide for teachers and language students on the best teaching and learning techniques.

By Alex Taylor

Source : http://blog.tjtaylor.net/teaching-methods/

SUMMARY

There is not one single best method for everyone in all context, and that no one teaching method is inherently superior to the others. the main methodologies developed chronologically are Grammar Translation, Direct Method, Audio-lingual method, Humanistic approaches, Communicative Language Teaching, and Principled Eclecticism.

The modern language teacher does not follow one rigid method, but applies the Principle Eclecticism approach. This means choosing the techniques and activities that are appropriate for each particular task, context and learner, with a focus on motivation and helping learners become independent and inspired to learn more.