Comparing Language Teaching Methods: A Comprehensive Overview

GRAMMAR-TRANSLATION METHOD:

• Classical method
• No use of the L2 (target language) in class
• Long lists of vocabulary
• Reading and writing
• No listening and speaking
• Grammar and syntax very important
• Grammar taught deductively

DIRECT METHOD:

• Use of realia, pictures or pantomime
• No translation
• Students speak in the target language
• The SYLLABUS used in the Direct Method is based upon situations or topics
• Grammar taught inductively
• Students practice vocabulary by using new words in complete sentences
• Language is primarily spoken, not written
• Self-correct
• Teacher and students are more like partners

AUDIO-LINGUAL METHOD:

• Oral based approach
• Based on behavioural psychology
• Imitation and repetition
• DRILLS
• Oral work (reading and written work)
• LAWS: Law of contiguity, Law of exercise, Law of intensity
• HUMANISTIC APPROACHES: Silent way, Suggestopedia, Community language learning

SILENT WAY:

• Creator: Caleb Gattegno
• "Teaching should be subordinated to learning"
• Students begin their study of the language through its basic building blocks, its sounds
• Sound, color chart

SUGGESTOPEDIA:

• Creator: Georgi Lozanov
• Integration of the fine arts
• Posters
• The activities include dramatizations, games, songs and question and answer exercises

COMMUNITY LANGUAGE LEARNING:

• In a beginning class, students typically have a conversation using their native language
• Teachers should become language counselors
• Counselling/Learning (Curraan)
• According to Curran, there are 6 elements necessary for non-defensive learning: 1. Security 2. Aggression 3. Attention 4. Reflection 5. Retention 6. Discrimination

TOTAL PHYSICAL RESPONSE:

• Developed by James Asher
• The "Comprehension Approach"
• 2 Phases: 1. Modeling 2. Students perform alone
• After learning to respond to some oral commands, the students learn to read and write them
• Activities include skits and games

COMMUNICATIVE LANGUAGE TEACHING:

• Information gap
• A choice
• True communication is purposeful
• Use of authentic materials
• Activities in small groups

TASK-BASED APPROACH:

• Communication is central
• Students use English to learn it
• Natural context
• "Task" as a central unit of planning and teaching
• Stages: pre-task, task, planning, report, analysis, practice

MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES:

• Howard Gardner
• 8 native intelligences: 1. Linguistic/verbal 2. Logical/Mathematical 3. Spatial/visual 4. Musical/Rhythmic 5. Bodily/kinesthetic 6. Interpersonal 7. Intrapersonal 8. Naturalist
• 4 stages: 1. Awaken the intelligence 2. Amplify the intelligence 3. Teach with/for the intelligence 4. Transfer of the intelligence