Effective Language Teaching Methods: A Deep Dive

Audio-Lingual Method

The Audio-Lingual Method is based on behaviorist ideology, which professes that certain traits of living things, and in this case, humans, could be trained through a system of reinforcement. Correct use of a trait would receive positive feedback, while incorrect use of that trait would receive negative feedback.

Aims of the Audio-Lingual Method

1. To enable students to use the target language communicatively and automatically without stopping to think.
2. To help students acquire the structural patterns of the language.

Principles of the Audio-Lingual Method

1. Instructions are given in the target language.
2. Language forms occur within a context.
3. Students' native language interferes as little as possible with the students' attempts to acquire the target language.
4. Teaching is directed to provide students with a native-speaker-like model.
5. Analogy provides a better foundation for language learning than analysis.

Silent Way

The Silent Way, a method of language teaching, originated in the early 1970s and was introduced by Caleb Gattegno. The method is based on the premise that the teacher should be silent as much as possible, and the learners should be encouraged to produce language as much as possible. Silence allows students to concentrate on what is to be learned. Learning is facilitated if the learner discovers or creates rather than remembers and repeats what is to be learned. Successful learning involves commitment of the self to language acquisition through the use of silent awareness and then active trial.

Tools Used in the Silent Way

• Word Chart: The Fidel charts show all the possible spellings for each phoneme and use the same color code as the rectangle chart.
• Cuisenaire Rods: These are used to create clear and visible situations that enable students to understand how a given concept is expressed in the language.

Desuggestopedia

The meaning of Desuggestopedia suggests "desuggesting" limitations on learning. The goal of teachers using this teaching method is to help students eliminate and overcome barriers to learning.

Classroom Setup for Desuggestopedia

• Comfortable armchairs
• Dim lighting
• Bright and colorful environment
• Posters
• Music
• Fine arts

One of the ways students' mental reserves are stimulated is through the integration of the fine arts, such as music, drama, or paintings.

Goals of Teachers Who Use Desuggestopedia

• To accelerate the process of learning a foreign language for everyday communication.
• To desuggest learners' psychological barriers.