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Overview of ELT Teaching Methods

The document discusses several methods for teaching English as a second language: the grammar translation method, structural approach, suggestopedia, communicative language teaching, silent way, and community language learning. It then provides more details on the grammar translation method and direct method, comparing their strengths and how they differ from each other.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
19 views2 pages

Overview of ELT Teaching Methods

The document discusses several methods for teaching English as a second language: the grammar translation method, structural approach, suggestopedia, communicative language teaching, silent way, and community language learning. It then provides more details on the grammar translation method and direct method, comparing their strengths and how they differ from each other.

Uploaded by

fifit ly2
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ELT Methods: A Basic Appraisal

A. The method in teaching English:

The Grammar Translation Method

Just like its name suggests, this method of teaching English is grammar heavy and relies
a lot on translation.

The Structural Approach

As the name suggests, the method is all about structure. The idea is that any language is
made up of complex grammar rules.

Suggestopedia

It’s essential that all learners feel equally comfortable and confident. When teachers are
training to use the Suggestopedia method, there’s a lot of art and music involved. Each
Suggestopedia lesson is divided into three different phases – 1.

Communicative Language Teaching

The idea behind this approach is to help learners communicate more effectively and
correctly in realistic situations that they may find themselves in.

The Silent Way

This method of learning English follows a structural syllabus and grammar, vocabulary


and pronunciation are constantly drilled and recycled for reinforcement. The teacher
evaluates their students through careful observation, and it’s even possible that they may
never set a formal test as learners are encouraged to correct their own language errors.

Community Language Learning

Unlike a lot of the other methods and approaches of teaching English as a Second
Language, a lot of the L1 is used for translation purposes.

B. Grammar Translation Method


In grammar-translation classes, students learn grammatical rules and then apply those
rules by translating sentences between the target language and the native language. Advanced
students may be required to translate whole texts word-for-word.
Classes are taught in the mother tongue

Much vocabulary is taught in the form of lists of isolated words.

Why would I use this method?

This is especially helpful in teaching students how to write and read in another
language, allowing them to explore interchangeable words and phrases more effectively than
a verbal teaching method.

Strenghts

Students learn a lot of vocabulary.

C. Direct Method
Characteristics
Grammar was taught inductively. Correct pronunciation and grammar were
emphasized.

Why should I use this method?

In contrast with the GTM, the Direct Method is on target. All of these techniques
emphasize the Direct Method's core strength---teaching students to be able to speak
the target language rather than merely be able to translate it.

Opportunities

- On the one hand, it will be a good chance for students to improve our knowledge
about Grammar and to excel our pronunciation, and at the other hand it is a good
method for intermediate and advanced teachers to make student´s skills float.
Comparing this method with the Grammar Translation, this one will open more doors
now

D. Principles & characteristics

Common questions

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The Grammar Translation Method's primary strengths include its emphasis on learning vocabulary extensively through word lists and its ability to enhance reading and writing skills. However, it does not target communication proficiency, often neglecting speaking and listening skills. It relies heavily on the mother tongue, which can limit exposure to the target language .

The Direct Method improves language-speaking skills by teaching grammar inductively and emphasizing correct pronunciation, encouraging students to think and speak in the target language directly. Unlike the Grammar Translation Method, which focuses on translation and rote learning of isolated words, the Direct Method immerses students in the target language, facilitating active use .

While both methods emphasize grammar, the Grammar Translation Method focuses on grammatical rules through translation exercises, teaching it deductively. In contrast, the Structural Approach emphasizes understanding language as a set of structures learned inductively. The former uses vocabulary lists, while the latter involves contextual and structural understanding .

For advanced students, the Direct Method offers the advantage of refining spoken language skills through immersive and interactive learning, focusing on natural language use without translation. It enhances pronunciation and fluency by promoting thinking in the target language, offering a more authentic learning experience compared to traditional grammar and translation-heavy methods .

In Suggestopedia, art and music play crucial roles by fostering a positive and stress-free learning environment, enhancing student engagement. These elements help lower psychological barriers, encouraging learners to participate more actively, and support memorization and recall through mnemonic and emotional connections. This holistic approach can significantly improve learning outcomes .

Community Language Learning uses L1 as a supportive tool, especially during the translation of concepts that are difficult to understand in the target language alone. The method aims to create a safe and supportive environment where learners gradually reduce reliance on L1 as their confidence and ability in the second language grow, promoting a community-oriented approach .

Suggestopedia's primary components include the use of art and music to create a comfortable and confident learning environment. These elements help learners relax and engage more deeply with the language. Lessons are divided into three phases that guide learners through gradual exposure and activity. This method fosters an emotional connection and lowers anxiety levels, which enhances retention and recall .

The Silent Way evaluates students through careful observation without formal testing, encouraging self-correction and reflection on language use. In contrast, Communicative Language Teaching might use real-life communication tasks and informal assessments to gauge language proficiency in context. Both methods focus on practical language use but differ in evaluation formalities .

The Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) approach focuses on enabling learners to communicate effectively and appropriately in real-life situations, unlike traditional methods that prioritize grammar and translation. CLT emphasizes interaction as both the means and ultimate goal of learning, different from methods that teach through rote memorization of rules .

The Silent Way encourages autonomous learning by having students actively discover rules through structured tasks and self-correction of errors. The teacher acts as a facilitator rather than a direct instructor, focusing on observation and providing minimal verbal input. This empowers learners to take charge of their learning process, fostering independence .

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