Language Teaching Methods: Key Concepts and Frameworks

Anthony’s Concepts

• Approach: A set of assumptions dealing with the nature of language learning and teaching.
• Method: An overall plan for the systematic presentation of language based upon a selected approach.
• Technique: All activities manifested in the classroom that are consistent with a method and in harmony with the approach.

Richards and Rodgers’ Concepts

• Method: The umbrella term for the specification of theory and practice.
• Approach: Defines assumptions, beliefs, and theories about the nature of language and language learning.
• Design: Specifies the relationship of those theories to classroom materials and activities.
• Procedures: The techniques and practices derived from one’s approach and design.

Common Language Teaching Methods

Grammar-Translation Method

Students learn grammatical rules and then apply those rules by translating sentences between the target language and the native language.

Audio-Lingual Method

Based on behaviorist theory, structural patterns are taught using repetitive drills. Grammar is taught by inductive analogy rather than by deductive explanation.

Direct Method (Charles Berlitz)

In this class, the native language is not permitted; both students and teachers use only the target language. Oral communication skills are promoted through questions and answers using everyday vocabulary and sentences.

Communicative Language Learning (Charles Curran)

Students work together to develop the aspects of a language they would like to learn. It encourages interaction as a vehicle for learning. There is no syllabus or textbook; students determine the content of the lesson through meaningful conversations. Notably, it incorporates translation, transcription, and recording techniques.

Silent Way (Caleb Gattegno)

The teacher is largely silent, giving more space for students to engage with the language. The role of the teacher is not to model the language but to correct mistakes by providing sensitive feedback.

Suggestopedia (Georgi Lozanov)

A music-based method (often using Baroque music). Students learn in a relaxed environment. It focuses on memorization techniques rather than the comprehensive enterprise of language acquisition.

Natural Approach (Krashen and Terrell)

Emphasizes the learner receiving large amounts of comprehensible input with a focus on communication. Stages include:

• Pre-production stage: Listening.
• Early production stage: Focus on meaning, not form.
• Production of extended discourse: Corrective feedback.

Total Physical Response (James Asher)

The instructor gives commands in the target language, and students act those commands out using whole-body responses. This is categorized as part of the comprehension approach to language teaching.