Introduction to TESOL

Approaches and Methodologies for New Language Teaching

Introduction

For years educators and researchers have delved deeply into the ways in which humans learn.
The technological progress of the 20th century has expanded our knowledge of the brain and learning
mechanisms. As global interactions increase mastering languages has become essential leading to efforts
to enhance students’ language acquisition skills.

Difficulties in Learning a Second Language

The article 'Introduction, to the World of TESOL' discusses several approaches, including the
cognitive approach, project-based learning, and communicative language teaching (CLT), as well as
methodologies such as grammar translation, the audiolingual method, and presentation-practice-
production. The array of approaches and methods highlights that there isn't an easy way to choose a
method for language learning. The complexity of mastering a language has been challenging teachers
for decades.

Choosing the Best Approach and Methodology

With over eleven years of experience as a teacher I have explored several approaches and
techniques. Choosing the best ones depends on the educational goals. In language schools the aim is to
develop rounded skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Based on my experience,
communicative language teaching (CLT) and project-based methods are both highly effective. CLT
focuses on the learner, with the teacher playing a facilitating role in integrating all skills. However, I think
the best approach at the moment is the principled eclecticism which blend methods to suit the learners’
specific needs and the educational goals. Presently, CLT and principled eclecticism are commonly
embraced approaches.

The following timeline shows the most relevant teaching methods that have been used along the 20 th
century (Taylor, n.d.).

Timeline of Teaching Methods

Conclusion

The complexity of teaching a language is well-known by teachers. That’s the reason we need
good approaches and strategies to help students to learn a second language. In the era of technology,
we can easily apply the principled eclecticism and combine various approaches and methods to
customize learning to the requirements of individual classes or students. As Taylor (2014) said, “The
modern language teacher doesn’t follow one rigid method, but applies the Principled Eclecticism
approach – fitting the method to the learner, not vice versa”.

Impact of New Knowledge in Regards to Teaching a Language

My First Contact with Language Teaching Theories

My first introduction to language teaching theories was towards the end of 2012, before I
moved to Saigon, Vietnam in January 2013. The course I enrolled in was ELE (Teaching Spanish as a
second language), it was like CELTA, but for teaching Spanish. The emphasis was on the communicative
approach with a brief overview of other methods provided. At that time, I felt overwhelmed. There were
too many things to remember, and too many steps to follow.

Teaching Experience in Vietnam

During my time in Saigon, I worked as a teacher for six and a half years in both schools and
language centers. While the communicative method proved useful and effective for teaching English to
small groups of teenagers and adults, I soon realized its limitations when dealing with large classes of 48
students, especially when they were children between the ages of 6 and 10.

Deepening Understanding of TESOL

In 2018 I furthered my understanding of TESOL by undertaking a course in Saigon that focused

on different approaches and methods for teaching English as a second language. With over five years of
teaching experience, I gained insight into the strengths and weaknesses of each method and the
importance of adapting to the diverse needs of students.

Current Insights and Adaptability

As of 2024 I am currently immersing myself in TESOL studies again this time in more depth. I've
come to understand that teaching techniques evolve over time. It is important to be flexible. There are
no bad methods; their effectiveness depends on the situation. For instance, the communicative
approach works well for developing language skills, but may not be sufficient for someone focusing on
translation who would benefit from a stronger emphasis on grammar and translation.

The following table provides a summary of the main characteristics of relevant language
teaching approaches, based on information provided by Mendoza on Academia.edu (n.d.).

Summary of Key Characteristics and Applications of Various Language Teaching Approaches

Methodology Focus Key Features Suitable for

Grammar- Reading, Writing Translation Advanced

Translation exercises learners,
translators

Audiolingual Speaking, Listening Repetition, drills Beginner learners

Communicative All four skills Real-life General learners

Language communication
tasks

Project-Based All four skills Collaborative All learners

projects
Conclusion: Embracing Adaptability in Teaching

An educator should be familiar, with approaches and strategies and be able to adapt to the
specific educational goals and requirements of their students. As pointed out by Selvi "having the
flexibility to mix and match teaching methods leads to a personalized and efficient learning journey"
(Selvi, n.d.).

References
 Taylor, A. (2014). The best teaching method to learn English. [online] TJ
Taylor Blog. Available at: https://blog.tjtaylor.net/teaching-methods/.
 Wikipedia. (2020). Eclectic approach. [online] Available at:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclectic_approach.
 ‌Rian, I. (n.d.). Principled eclecticism in English language teaching. Korea
TESOL Journal, [online] 12(2). Available at:
https://www.library.brawnblog.com/KTJ-PrinEclec.pdf.
 Selvi, A.F. (n.d.). The TESOL practicum: A tale of three
books. www.academia.edu. [online] Available at:
https://www.academia.edu/19839753/The_TESOL_Practicum_A_Tale_of_Thre
e_Book [Accessed 6 Jun. 2024].
 Mendoza, L.V.V. (n.d.). Summary of language teaching approaches and
methodologies. www.academia.edu. [online] Available at:
https://www.academia.edu/42865306/Summary_of_Language_Teaching_App
roaches_and_Methodologies.

Images
 Taylor, A. (2014). The best teaching method to learn English. [online] TJ
Taylor Blog. Available at: https://blog.tjtaylor.net/teaching-methods/.