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Difference between revisions of “Essay:Approach, method and strategy”
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There are, and have been, many '''approaches, methods, and strategies''' in [[English]] teaching. | There are, and have been, many '''approaches, methods, and strategies''' in [[English]] teaching. | ||
''Approaches'' deal with general philosophies of '' | ''Approaches'' deal with general philosophies of teaching. | ||
''Methods'' deal with more practical nuts and bolts. | |||
''Strategies'' deal with specific actions. | |||
Over the years, the objective of many teachers has changed from trying to find an ultimate "best method" to identifying compatible approaches and then deciding on strategies for actually doing what needs to be done in the [[class|classroom]]. | |||
The [[teacher]] has a spectrum of roles in these [[methodology | methodologies]] ranging from language model and commander of classroom activities in systems like [[Grammar Translation]] and [[Total Physical Response]] to background facilitator and classroom colleague in [[Communicative Language Teaching]] and [[Dogme]] all the way to minimally present in the [[Silent Way]]. In a similar manner the role of the student may vary from that of passive recipient in Grammar Translation, childlike follower in Total Physical Response to active driver and decider in [[Dogme]]. | The [[teacher]] has a spectrum of roles in these [[methodology | methodologies]] ranging from language model and commander of classroom activities in systems like [[Grammar Translation]] and [[Total Physical Response]] to background facilitator and classroom colleague in [[Communicative Language Teaching]] and [[Dogme]] all the way to minimally present in the [[Silent Way]]. In a similar manner the role of the student may vary from that of passive recipient in Grammar Translation, childlike follower in Total Physical Response to active driver and decider in [[Dogme]]. | ||
An examination of some of these methodologies may bring the reader to the conclusion that some appear counter-intuitive - not to say downright weird. While teachers should obviously view things with an open mind, a certain level of scepticism is sometimes appropriate. | |||
It is likely that, over time, experienced teachers select whatever elements of these methodologies work for them and adapt them to their particular [[teaching style]] or students' [[learning style]]. It also seems highly probable that something which works well for one teacher (or with one student) will not work for another. | It is likely that, over time, experienced teachers select whatever elements of these methodologies work for them and adapt them to their particular [[teaching style]] or students' [[learning style]]. It also seems highly probable that something which works well for one teacher (or with one student) will not work for another. | ||
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==Approaches== | ==Approaches== | ||
Approaches are general in nature. They involve the belief and principle underlying our methods, but are less about | Approaches are general in nature. They involve the belief and principle underlying our methods, but are less about prescribing the specific methods. [[#Methods]] are the way we teach, approaches explain why we teach that way. | ||
===Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)=== | ===Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)=== | ||
Replaced the ''Situational Approach''. It was originally promoted by Howatt, at al., and more fully developed in the 1980s. CLT comes in both "strong" and "weak" forms. The intent is to capitalize on the collective intelligence of the group and give everyone a chance to grow in appreciation of diversity. | Replaced the ''Situational Approach''. It was originally promoted by Howatt, at al., and more fully developed in the 1980s. CLT comes in both "strong" and "weak" forms. The intent is to capitalize on the collective intelligence of the group and give everyone a chance to grow in appreciation of diversity. | ||
* | *Teacher’s role: needs analyst and task designer. | ||
*Student role: improviser and negotiator. | *Student role: improviser and negotiator. | ||
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===Dogme=== | ===Dogme=== | ||
First described by [[Scott Thornbury]]. The teacher | First described by [[Scott Thornbury]]. The teacher doesn’t prepare classes; merely uses whatever happens to be in the room. »[[Dogme]] | ||
===Lexical Approach=== | ===Lexical Approach=== | ||
In 1997, Lewis stated, "the building blocks are not grammar, functions, notions, or some other unit of planning and teaching, but [[vocabulary|lexis]], that is, words and word combinations. | In 1997, Lewis stated, "the building blocks are not grammar, functions, notions, or some other unit of planning and teaching, but [[vocabulary|lexis]], that is, words and word combinations.” It may have influenced Chomsky in his "lexicon-is-prime" position in his minimalist linguistic theory (using [[collocation]]s/chunks). »[[Lexical Approach]] | ||
===Multiple Intelligences=== | ===Multiple Intelligences=== | ||
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Invented in the 1970s by Grindler and Bandler it was intended to be a generalised self-help system. Subsequently widely regarded as a pseudoscience it found a home in English language teaching. »[[Neurolinguistic programming]] | Invented in the 1970s by Grindler and Bandler it was intended to be a generalised self-help system. Subsequently widely regarded as a pseudoscience it found a home in English language teaching. »[[Neurolinguistic programming]] | ||
===Task-based | ===Task-based language teaching=== | ||
Task-based | Task-based language teaching (TBLT) was said to be a logical development of communicative language teaching (Willis, 1996). It uses real communication activities to carry out meaningful tasks, and stresses the importance of targeting these tasks to the individual student as much as possible. »[[Task-based language teaching]] | ||
===Whole Language Approach=== | ===Whole Language Approach=== | ||
This term was coined in the 1980s by a group of U.S. educators but it | This term was coined in the 1980s by a group of U.S. educators but it wasn’t until 1991 that Rigg made a firm stand against all approaches which he considered "fragmented". He said, "If language isn’t kept whole, it isn’t language any more.” The suggested focus is on using a tailored combination of the four modes of language ([[four skills|speaking, listening, writing and reading]]) as often as possible. Its intent is to be functional and topical. »[[Whole Language Approach]] | ||
===Input Processing=== | ===Input Processing=== | ||
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===Total Physical Response (TPR)=== | ===Total Physical Response (TPR)=== | ||
Coordinates speech and action and draws on other sciences but its speech theorems are Palmers' (1925). The idea is to repeat during the [[jargon|L2]] learning process what was used to learn [[jargon|L1]]. It is structure-based. Teacher role: commander and action monitor. Student role: order taker and performer. | :''Main article: [[Total Physical Response]]'' | ||
Coordinates speech and action and draws on other sciences but its speech theorems are Palmers' (1925). The idea is to repeat during the [[jargon|L2]] learning process what was used to learn [[jargon|L1]]. It is structure-based. Teacher role: commander and action monitor. Student role: order taker and performer. | |||
== Strategies== | == Strategies== | ||
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===Language experience approach=== | ===Language experience approach=== | ||
Language experience approach is a strategy in which students, as a group, describe an experience in their own words orally (using a first or second language) as the teacher records their history. The story serves as the basis for follow-up activities. »[[Language experience approach]] | |||
===Learning cycle=== | ===Learning cycle=== | ||
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==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* | * Wikipedia’s [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methods_of_teaching_foreign_languages Methods of teaching foreign languages] | ||
[[category: | [[category:teflpedia essays]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Essay index]] |
Latest revision as of 14:58, 27 December 2022
There are, and have been, many approaches, methods, and strategies in English teaching.
Approaches deal with general philosophies of teaching.
Methods deal with more practical nuts and bolts.
Strategies deal with specific actions.
Over the years, the objective of many teachers has changed from trying to find an ultimate "best method" to identifying compatible approaches and then deciding on strategies for actually doing what needs to be done in the classroom.
The teacher has a spectrum of roles in these methodologies ranging from language model and commander of classroom activities in systems like Grammar Translation and Total Physical Response to background facilitator and classroom colleague in Communicative Language Teaching and Dogme all the way to minimally present in the Silent Way. In a similar manner the role of the student may vary from that of passive recipient in Grammar Translation, childlike follower in Total Physical Response to active driver and decider in Dogme.
An examination of some of these methodologies may bring the reader to the conclusion that some appear counter-intuitive - not to say downright weird. While teachers should obviously view things with an open mind, a certain level of scepticism is sometimes appropriate.
It is likely that, over time, experienced teachers select whatever elements of these methodologies work for them and adapt them to their particular teaching style or students' learning style. It also seems highly probable that something which works well for one teacher (or with one student) will not work for another.
There is also the question of how seriously we should take methodologies anyway; Scott Thornbury has suggested the idea of discrete methodologies may be an oversimplification as they all tend to have good and bad elements, or perhaps good and bad practitioners.
Approaches[edit source]
Approaches are general in nature. They involve the belief and principle underlying our methods, but are less about prescribing the specific methods. #Methods are the way we teach, approaches explain why we teach that way.
Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)[edit source]
Replaced the Situational Approach. It was originally promoted by Howatt, at al., and more fully developed in the 1980s. CLT comes in both "strong" and "weak" forms. The intent is to capitalize on the collective intelligence of the group and give everyone a chance to grow in appreciation of diversity.
- Teacher’s role: needs analyst and task designer.
- Student role: improviser and negotiator.
CLT advocates avoided prescribing a set of practices through which these principles could best be realized, thus putting CLT clearly on the approach rather than the method end of the spectrum. The assumptions are that (a) learners learn a language through using it to communicate, (b) authentic and meaningful communication should be the goal of classroom activities, (c) fluency is an important dimension of communication, (d) communication involves the integration of different language skills, and (e) learning is a process of creative construction and involves trial and error. Spin-offs from Communicative language teaching include the Natural Approach, Cooperative Language Learning, Content-based Teaching, and Task-based Teaching.»Communicative Language Teaching
Competency-based Language Teaching[edit source]
Competency-based Language Teaching is still a very popular outcome-based approach. The focus is on measurable and usable knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). It was promoted in the 1970s by Scheck.»Competency-based Language Teaching
Content-based Instruction[edit source]
Promoted originally by Krahnke (1980s) but embraced by almost everybody who teaches language through content and meaning. (S. Krashen, 1982, & D. Nunan, 1989). The research on this is quite firm: teaching language for the sake of the language is not nearly as effective (when it comes to using it) as when taught as a means to an end. Its focus is on integrated skills, cooperative learning, and grouping strategies. The stress is on meaning rather than form. Its aim is to use authentic language and facilitate experiential learning. Using graphic organizers is a typical trademark of the process. »Content-based Instruction
Cooperative (Collaborative) Learning[edit source]
An approach credited to Olsen and Kagan. It is a part of the collaborative approach. Competition is replaced with team-based learning. »Cooperative Learning
Dogme[edit source]
First described by Scott Thornbury. The teacher doesn’t prepare classes; merely uses whatever happens to be in the room. »Dogme
Lexical Approach[edit source]
In 1997, Lewis stated, "the building blocks are not grammar, functions, notions, or some other unit of planning and teaching, but lexis, that is, words and word combinations.” It may have influenced Chomsky in his "lexicon-is-prime" position in his minimalist linguistic theory (using collocations/chunks). »Lexical Approach
Multiple Intelligences[edit source]
This learner-based approach was brought to popularity by Gardner (1993). It stresses that all dimensions of intelligence should be developed and not just those measured by IQ tests, i.e., language and logic. Gardner states that pedagogy is most successful when learner differences are acknowledged and factored into the process. »Multiple Intelligences
Natural Approach[edit source]
Brought to us first by Terrell (1977) and then jointly by Krashen and Terrell (1983). Their book (with classroom procedures) titled Natural Approach should not be confused with the older Natural Method also called the #Direct Method. The focus is on "input" rather than practice. Language is its lexicon, not its grammar. Teacher role: actor and props user. Student role: guesser and immerser. »Natural Approach
Neurolinguistic programming[edit source]
Invented in the 1970s by Grindler and Bandler it was intended to be a generalised self-help system. Subsequently widely regarded as a pseudoscience it found a home in English language teaching. »Neurolinguistic programming
Task-based language teaching[edit source]
Task-based language teaching (TBLT) was said to be a logical development of communicative language teaching (Willis, 1996). It uses real communication activities to carry out meaningful tasks, and stresses the importance of targeting these tasks to the individual student as much as possible. »Task-based language teaching
Whole Language Approach[edit source]
This term was coined in the 1980s by a group of U.S. educators but it wasn’t until 1991 that Rigg made a firm stand against all approaches which he considered "fragmented". He said, "If language isn’t kept whole, it isn’t language any more.” The suggested focus is on using a tailored combination of the four modes of language (speaking, listening, writing and reading) as often as possible. Its intent is to be functional and topical. »Whole Language Approach
Input Processing[edit source]
Methods[edit source]
Methods are the way we teach. #Approaches are the why we teach that way.
The 1950s through 1980s were considered the "methods" period.
Audiolingual[edit source]
Dominant since the 1950s. Developed in the USA. This method is skills-based, allows no use of L1, and stresses memorization, repetition, tapes, and structure. Teacher role: language modeler & drill leader. Student role: pattern practicer and accuracy enthusiast. » Audiolingual
Counseling Learning[edit source]
From Rogerian Counseling (1951). Later by C. Curran (1970s). This method is part of the Humanistic Technique. The teacher is the coach; the students are clients. »Counseling Learning
Direct Method[edit source]
Made popular by Berlitz in the 1950s, it allows only the second language, uses everyday vocabulary, and stresses pronunciation. It is used in Community Language Learning. teacher role: counselor and paraphraser; student role: collaborator and whole person. »Direct Method
Grammar Translation[edit source]
Most popular before the 1940s. It started to be slowly replaced by the Direct Method from the early 1900s. It is still popular, however, in countries where reading is more important than communicating. »Grammar Translation
Silent Way[edit source]
From Bruner (1966) to Gattegno (1990s) and referring to the teacher. Students are encouraged to produce as much as possible, to get the spirit of the language by exploring and practising it. »Silent Way
Situational Language Teaching[edit source]
A classical oral method that gave birth to many of today’s structuralist approaches. (Firth, Halliday, etc.) Language is a purposeful activity toward a goal. Stress is on meaning, content, and situations. First used in the 1930s and further developed in England in the 1950s, it is an oral approach that views language as a purposeful activity toward goals. Teacher role: context setter and error corrector. Student role: memorizer and imitator. »Situational Language Teaching
Suggestopedia[edit source]
Started in the 1970s by Lozanov, it takes an authoritative holistic but lexical approach and uses music and ambiance. It purports to be 25 times faster than other methods. Teacher role: auto-hypnotist and authority figure. Student role: relaxer and true-believer. »Suggestopedia
Total Physical Response (TPR)[edit source]
- Main article: Total Physical Response
Coordinates speech and action and draws on other sciences but its speech theorems are Palmers' (1925). The idea is to repeat during the L2 learning process what was used to learn L1. It is structure-based. Teacher role: commander and action monitor. Student role: order taker and performer.
Strategies[edit source]
These individual strategies might be used within any other method or approach they are frequently intended to help foster maintain creativity.
Blackboard[edit source]
Blackboard (or chalkboard, whiteboard, poster board, projector etc.) is a strategy to provide visual structure during a lecture or discussion. » Blackboard
Debate[edit source]
Debate is a cooperative learning strategy in which students organize planned presentations for various viewpoints. »Debate
Dialog journal[edit source]
Dialog journal is a strategy that uses journals as a way for students and their teachers to communicate regularly and carry on a private conversation. »Dialog journal
Field experience[edit source]
Field experience is a planned learning experience in the community for students to observe, study, and participate in a real-life setting; FE uses the community as a laboratory. »Field experience
Flowchart[edit source]
Flowchart is a graphic organizer strategy in which students depict positioning and role relationships. »Flowchart
Free writing[edit source]
Free writing is a strategy for encouraging students to express ideas in writing. »Free writing
Graphic organizer[edit source]
Graphic organizer is a visual representation of abstract concepts and processes; students transfer abstract information into a more concrete form. »Graphic organizer
Group read[edit source]
Group read is sharing a reading to promote better understanding. »Group read
Interactive language task[edit source]
Interactive language task is a strategy in which at least two students work together to accomplish a meaningful activity. »Interactive language task
Interview[edit source]
Interview is for honing organizational and planning skills. »Interview
Jigsaw[edit source]
Jigsaw is a cooperative learning strategy in which everyone becomes an expert and shares learning so that eventually all group members know the content. »Jigsaw
Know - want to know - learned (K-W-L)[edit source]
K-W-L is an introductory strategy that provided structure for recalling what the student knows regarding a topic, noting what the student wants to know, and finally listing what has been learned and is yet to be learned. »Know - want to know - learned
Laboratory investigation[edit source]
Labortory investigation is a strategy that involve students with their environment. The students propose a question, develop a hypothesis, explore methods for investigating the question, choose one of the methods, then conduct research and draw conclusions based on the information gathered. »Laboratory investigation
Language experience approach[edit source]
Language experience approach is a strategy in which students, as a group, describe an experience in their own words orally (using a first or second language) as the teacher records their history. The story serves as the basis for follow-up activities. »Language experience approach
Learning cycle[edit source]
Learning cycle is a sequence of lessons designed to have students engage in exploratory investigations, construct meaning out of their findings, propose tentative explanations and solutions, and relate concepts to their own understanding. »Learning cycle
Learning log[edit source]
Learning log is a strategy to develop structured writing. »Learning log
Literature, history and storytelling[edit source]
Literature, history and storytelling is a process for using scientists' autobiographies and biographies to connect social context to their data. History comes alive through the eyes of a scientist. »Literature, history, and storytelling
Mini-museum[edit source]
Mini-museum is a strategy for creating a focused exhibit. »Mini-museum
Modeling[edit source]
Modeling is a representation of a concept: may be concrete, such as a ball-and-stick model of an atom, or abstract like a model of weather systems. »Modeling
Numbered heads together[edit source]
Numbered heads together is a cooperative strategy in which students work in small groups to review information. »Numbered heads together
Predict, observe, explain[edit source]
Predict, observe, explain is a strategy in which the teacher shows the class a situation and asks them to predict what will happen when a change is made. »Predict, observe, explain
Problem solving[edit source]
Problem solving is a strategy in which students apply knowledge to solve problems. This approach facilitates scientific thinking. »Problem solving
Reflective thinking[edit source]
Reflective thinking deals with reflecting or thinking about what was learned after a specific lesson . . . an activity usually finished by writing about it. »Reflective thinking
Role-play and simulation[edit source]
Role-play and simulation allow students to assume the identity of another person. Simulations further use role-playing to involve students in situations that require a group of people with two or more points of view to formulate a common decision. »Role play and simulation
[edit source]
Think, pair and share is a cooperative strategy to help students develop their own ideas and build on the ideas of others. »Think, pair and share
Venn diagram[edit source]
Venn diagram is a graphic organizer strategy for creating a visual analysis of information representing similarities and differences between concepts, objects, etc. »Venn diagram
Webbing[edit source]
Webbing is a graphic organizer strategy that provides a visual of how words or phrases connect to a topic. »Webbing
See also[edit source]
- Wikipedia’s Methods of teaching foreign languages