Approaches To English Language Teaching
Approaches To English Language Teaching
2nd Semester
APPROACHES TO ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING
Unit-1
Language teaching has evolved over centuries. In ancient times, methods were often based on
imitation and repetition. During the Middle Ages, Latin was the primary language taught. The
Renaissance saw a shift towards vernacular languages.
The 19th century emphasized grammar-translation methods. The 20th century brought about
innovative approaches like the Direct Method, Audio-Lingual Method, and translation method.
The Grammar:
Grammar involves the structure and rules governing a language. It defines how words combine
to form sentences. Traditional grammar focuses on syntax, morphology, and semantics.
Descriptive grammar observes how language is used, while prescriptive grammar dictates how it
should be used.
Generative grammar, proposed by Noam Chomsky, explores the innate structures underlying
language. Functional grammar considers language as a tool for communication, emphasizing meaning
over structure.
Modern language teaching often blends various grammatical approaches, aiming for practical
usage and communication skills.
Translation method:
The Translation Method in English Language Teaching (ELT) focuses on teaching language skills
through translating between the target language and the learners’ native language. Here are key
characteristics:
While the Translation Method can aid in developing a deep understanding of grammar and
vocabulary, it has limitations in fostering communicative competence and oral proficiency. Modern
language teaching approaches often integrate translation selectively and emphasize more interactive
and communicative methods.
Direct Method:
The Direct Method is an approach to English Language Teaching (ELT) that emphasizes teaching
vocabulary and grammar inductively, using the target language as the medium of instruction. Key
features of the Direct Method include:
✓ Oral Communication: Focus on spoken language and communication, with an aim to mimic
natural language acquisition.
✓ Inductive Teaching: Grammar is taught implicitly through exposure to examples and contexts
rather than explicit rule explanation.
✓ Everyday Vocabulary: Emphasis on teaching practical, everyday vocabulary to facilitate real-life
communication.
✓ No Translation: Avoidance of translation; the target language is used exclusively in the
classroom to create a direct association between the language and meaning.
✓ Interactive Learning:Use of interactive activities, role-plays, and games to engage learners and
encourage active language use.
The Direct Method emerged as a reaction against the Grammar-Translation Method, aiming to
create a more immersive and communicative language learning environment. While it has merits in
promoting oral skills, it may lack explicit grammar instruction, which is addressed differently in other
teaching approaches.
The Audiolingual Method, popular in the mid-20th century, is an approach to English Language
Teaching (ELT) that emphasizes oral skills through repetition and pattern drills. Here are key features of
this method:
✓ Oral Practice: Strong focus on spoken language; learners engage in repetitive drills to develop
accurate pronunciation and intonation.
✓ Mimicry and Memorization: Learners imitate native speakers to develop automatic responses,
emphasizing habit formation.
✓ Pattern Drills: Language patterns are practiced in various contexts through drills to reinforce
grammatical structures and vocabulary.
✓ Error Correction: Immediate correction of errors is a common practice to ensure accuracy in
language production.
✓ Limited Use of Vernacular: The target language is used exclusively in the classroom, minimizing
the use of the learners’ native language.
The Audiolingual Method drew inspiration from behaviorist theories and aimed to create
language habits through extensive practice. While effective for developing oral proficiency, it faced
criticism for lack of creativity and limited focus on meaning. Modern ELT approaches often incorporate
elements of communicative language teaching for a more balanced and meaningful language learning
experience.
The 19th century witnessed notable innovations in language teaching methodologies. The
Grammar-Translation Method was prevalent, emphasizing explicit instruction of grammar rules and
translation exercises. However, as the century progressed, the Direct Method gained prominence,
prioritizing oral communication and immersive learning. This method aimed to replicate natural
language acquisition, minimizing the use of the learner’s native language.
Additionally, the 19th century saw the emergence of reformers like François Gouin, who
introduced the series method, focusing on connected speech and context. These innovations marked a
shift towards more communicative and practical language teaching approaches, setting the stage for
further developments in the 20th century.
The 19th century witnessed several innovations in language teaching, marking a shift from
traditional methods. Some notable developments include:
Natural Method (Gouin Method): François Gouin proposed a method emphasizing natural
language acquisition. It involved learning language inductively through context and experience rather
than explicit grammar instruction.
✓ Berlitz Method: Developed by Maximilian Berlitz, this method focused on immersive language
learning through conversation and situational contexts. It emphasized the direct association of
language with meaning, discouraging the use of the learner’s native language.
✓ Direct Method: Emerging in the late 19th century, the Direct Method advocated teaching
language through the exclusive use of the target language, avoiding translation. Grammar and
vocabulary were introduced inductively through context and conversation.
Language teaching encompasses various approaches and methods, each influencing the learning
process differently. The Direct Method emphasizes oral communication, discouraging translation. In
contrast, the Grammar-Translation Method focuses on rules and translation exercises.
Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) integrates language learning with tasks, promoting
practical skills.
The Audio-Lingual Method emphasizes repetition and drills for habit formation. The Natural
Approach emphasizes exposure to language in context, akin to first language acquisition. The Silent Way
encourages learner autonomy, with the teacher taking a more passive role. The eclectic approach
combines elements from different methods for a flexible teaching strategy.
Definition of approach:
In language teaching, an approach refers to a set of theoretical principles and beliefs about the
nature of language learning and the best ways to facilitate it. It serves as a broad framework that guides
instructional practices. An approach typically encompasses overarching views on language, learning
processes, and the roles of teachers and learners.
Examples include the Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) approach, which prioritizes real-
life communication, and the Grammar-Translation approach, which focuses on explicit grammar rules
and translation exercises.
Methods:
A language teaching syllabus serves as a roadmap, delineating the structure, content, and goals
of a language course. Various types of syllabi cater to diverse educational objectives.
The choice of syllabus depends on factors like learner needs, proficiency levels, and the teaching
philosophy, often involving a combination to address diverse learning objectives comprehensively.
learning activities in language teaching:
In language teaching, diverse learning activities play a pivotal role in fostering effective language
acquisition.
• Oral activities, such as debates, role-playing, and discussions, enhance speaking skills
and promote fluency.
• Written activities, like essays, journals, and creative writing, help develop writing
proficiency and reinforce grammatical structures.
• Listening activities, such as audio clips, podcasts, and dialogues, improve auditory
comprehension and pronunciation.
• Reading activities, including authentic texts, articles, and literature, enhance vocabulary
and comprehension skills. Vocabulary games, word puzzles, and language drills serve to
reinforce lexical knowledge in an engaging manner.
Interactive tasks, like pair or group work, encourage collaboration and communication among
learners, simulating real-world language use.
Learners play crucial roles in the language teaching process, contributing actively to their own
language acquisition. Some key roles include:
• Active Participants: Learners are active participants in the learning process, engaging in various
activities to enhance their language skills.
• Motivators: Maintaining motivation is a shared responsibility, and learners play a pivotal role in
staying motivated by recognizing the importance of language learning and setting personal goals.
• Reflective Practitioners: Learners reflect on their progress, identifying strengths and areas for
improvement, contributing to a deeper understanding of their learning journey.
• Collaborators: Collaboration with peers in pair or group activities enhances communication skills,
allowing learners to practice and reinforce language use.
• Decision-Makers: Learners make decisions regarding their learning path, choosing resources,
activities, and strategies that align with their preferences and learning styles.
• Autonomous Learners:Encouraging autonomy, learners take charge of their learning process,
seeking additional resources, practicing outside the classroom, and taking ownership of their
language development.
• Cultural Explorers: Exploring the cultural aspects of the language helps learners understand
context, idioms, and cultural nuances, contributing to overall language proficiency.
• Feedback Seekers: Actively seeking and incorporating feedback from teachers, peers, or
language exchange partners helps learners refine their language skills and correct errors.
By embracing these roles, learners become active contributors to their language learning
journey, fostering a more effective and dynamic learning environment.
In the Oral Approach and Situational Language Teaching, teachers assume pivotal roles as
facilitators of oral communication and real-life language use. They design situational contexts where
learners engage in meaningful conversations. Teachers model correct pronunciation, intonation, and
usage, providing immediate feedback to enhance spoken proficiency. Authentic materials like recordings,
dialogues, and real-life scenarios serve as resources to expose learners to natural language patterns.
Visual aids and props are often employed to support comprehension, making the learning experience
more immersive.
In The Silent Way, teachers take a more subdued role, allowing learners to actively explore and
discover language principles. They use silence strategically, encouraging students to initiate
communication. Teachers provide minimal verbal input, relying on cues like colored rods or charts to
guide pronunciation and grammar. The emphasis is on learner autonomy, with teachers observing and
providing corrective feedback when necessary. Materials include colored rods, sound-color charts, and
word charts, serving as visual aids to reinforce language concepts without heavy reliance on verbal
explanations.
Community Language Learning (CLL):
In summary, the role of teachers varies across these approaches, ranging from facilitators in oral
and situational methods to guides in The Silent Way and empathetic counselors in Community Language
Learning. Materials are diverse, ranging from authentic resources in oral approaches to visual aids in The
Silent Way and learner-generated content in Community Language Learning. Each approach underscores
the importance of creating a conducive environment for language learning, catering to different learning
styles and preferences.
Suggestopedia:
Materials often include aesthetically pleasing visuals and a rich sensory environment to
stimulate learning. The focus is on suggesting a positive mindset, fostering a belief in learners’ abilities to
grasp the language effortlessly.
Competency-Based Language Teaching centers on developing practical language skills for real-
world communication. Teachers in CBLT act as guides, tailoring instruction to learners’ specific needs and
objectives. The curriculum is designed around communicative competencies, focusing on what learners
can do with the language. Materials include authentic texts, multimedia resources, and tasks that mirror
real-life language use, promoting the application of language skills in various contexts. Assessment is
based on learners’ ability to demonstrate competencies in speaking, listening, reading, and writing,
aligning with practical language use.
Both Suggestopedia and Competency-Based Language Teaching prioritize creating a positive and
supportive learning environment. While Suggestopedia employs creative techniques to enhance
receptivity, Competency-Based Language Teaching focuses on developing practical language skills for
effective communication in real-life situations.
Unit-3
The Natural Approach, developed by Stephen Krashen and Tracy Terrell, is an innovative
language teaching method that draws inspiration from natural language acquisition processes. It is based
on the theory of second language acquisition, emphasizing subconscious learning and low-anxiety
environments.
In the Natural Approach, teachers play a supportive role, creating an immersive and interactive
environment where learners are exposed to language in context. Vocabulary and grammar are
introduced gradually, allowing learners to acquire language skills intuitively. Communication is prioritized
over explicit rule learning.
Key features of the Natural Approach include the use of visual aids, realia, and gestures to
convey meaning, minimizing the need for translation. The emphasis is on understanding and meaningful
communication rather than grammatical analysis. The approach encourages a stress-free atmosphere,
recognizing that anxiety can hinder language acquisition.
The Natural Approach has been widely used in language classrooms, particularly for beginners,
and it aligns with the idea that language learning should mirror the natural, gradual process of acquiring
a first language.
Cooperative language Learning & Content based instruction:
The approach promotes interaction, communication, and a sense of community within the
language learning environment. Group activities, discussions, and collaborative projects are common
components, encouraging learners to use the language in meaningful contexts. CLL not only develops
language skills but also fosters interpersonal and intercultural communication skills.
Content-Based Instruction integrates language learning with subject matter content, providing
students with the opportunity to acquire language skills while exploring academic topics. In CBI,
language is a means of learning, not just the focus. Teachers design lessons around engaging content,
such as science or history, incorporating language activities that align with the subject matter.
This approach enhances language proficiency while exposing learners to academic content. CBI
is especially beneficial for learners who seek language skills relevant to specific academic or professional
domains.
Combining these approaches, educators can design lessons that not only promote language
proficiency but also provide meaningful content and foster collaborative learning experiences. In a
cooperative, content-based language learning environment, students engage with both language and
academic content, creating a comprehensive and interactive learning experience.
Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) is an approach to language education that focuses on the
use of language for real communication purposes. In TBLT, learning activities are organized around tasks,
which are activities that require learners to use language to achieve a specific goal. These tasks can be
practical and meaningful, such as ordering food in a restaurant or solving a problem.
• Communication as the Goal: Emphasizing the use of language for communication rather than
just rote memorization of grammar rules or vocabulary.
• Task Selection: Choosing tasks that reflect real-life situations and are relevant to learners’ needs
and interests.
• Language Focus: Language learning occurs naturally as a result of performing the tasks, with a
focus on meaning rather than form.
• Group Work: Encouraging collaboration and interaction among learners, fostering a
communicative environment.
• Feedback: Providing feedback on language use during and after tasks to enhance learning.
Unit-4
Teaching in language education involves various aspects that contribute to effective language
acquisition. Here are key teaching aspects:
By considering and incorporating these aspects, language educators can create dynamic and
engaging learning experiences that support their students' language development.
Teaching prose in language education involves guiding students in the analysis, comprehension,
and interpretation of written texts. Here are key aspects of teaching prose:
• Text Selection: Choosing appropriate prose texts that align with learners’ proficiency levels,
interests, and cultural backgrounds is crucial. Varied genres and themes contribute to a well-
rounded language learning experience.
• Pre-Reading Activities: Engaging students with pre-reading activities, such as discussions,
predictions, or vocabulary exploration, helps activate prior knowledge and build anticipation for
the text.
• Reading Strategies: Teaching effective reading strategies, such as skimming, scanning, and critical
analysis, empowers students to comprehend and interpret prose texts more efficiently.
• Vocabulary Development: Highlighting and explaining unfamiliar words within the prose
supports vocabulary acquisition. Encouraging students to deduce meanings from context fosters
autonomy in language learning.
• Comprehension Questions: Pose thoughtful questions that guide students in understanding the
main ideas, details, and nuances of the prose. These questions can vary in complexity to cater to
different proficiency levels.
• Discussion and Analysis: Encouraging group or class discussions promotes language use and
allows students to express their interpretations, fostering critical thinking and communication
skills.
• Cultural Context: Exploring the cultural context embedded in prose helps students understand
cultural references, idiomatic expressions, and the broader social implications of the text.
• Writing Activities: Integrating writing tasks related to the prose, such as summaries, reflections,
or creative responses, reinforces language skills and encourages students to express themselves
in writing.
• Technology Integration: Utilizing digital tools, online resources, or multimedia elements can
enhance the teaching of prose, making the learning experience more dynamic and engaging.
• Assessment: Implementing various assessment methods, such as quizzes, essays, or
presentations, allows teachers to evaluate students’ understanding of the prose and their ability
to articulate their thoughts in the target language.
By addressing these aspects, teachers can create comprehensive and effective lessons for
teaching prose, promoting language proficiency and fostering a deeper appreciation for literary
expression.
Teaching poetry in language education involves exploring the linguistic, emotional, and cultural
dimensions of poetic expression. Here are key aspects of teaching poetry:
• Poetry Selection: Choosing diverse and culturally relevant poems that match learners’
proficiency levels and interests is essential for fostering engagement and appreciation.
• Pre-Reading Activities: Introducing students to the cultural and historical context, discussing
themes, or exploring related vocabulary before delving into the poetry helps create a foundation
for understanding.
• Analysis of Poetic Devices: Teaching students to recognize and analyze poetic devices such as
rhyme, rhythm, metaphor, and symbolism enhances their ability to appreciate the intricate
elements of poetic expression.
• Vocabulary Enrichment: Poetry often introduces unique vocabulary and figurative language.
Encouraging students to explore and understand these linguistic nuances contributes to their
overall language development.
• Expression and Pronunciation: Emphasizing correct pronunciation and encouraging expressive
reading helps students convey the emotions and nuances embedded in the poetic language.
• Discussion and Interpretation: Facilitating class discussions on different interpretations of a
poem fosters critical thinking and allows students to express their own perspectives on the
emotional and thematic aspects of the poetry.
• Creative Responses: Engaging students in creative activities, such as writing their own poems,
responding to a poem through art, or reinterpreting a poem in a different form, encourages self-
expression and application of language skills.
• Performance and Recitation: Encouraging students to recite or perform poetry in the target
language promotes oral fluency, confidence, and a deeper connection with the emotional
aspects of the language.
• Comparative Analysis: Comparing poems from different cultures or time periods provides a
broader understanding of poetic diversity, fostering intercultural awareness and appreciation.
• Technology Integration: Incorporating multimedia resources, audio recordings of poets reading
their works, or online platforms with interactive poetry-related activities can enhance the
teaching of poetry and make it more engaging.
By addressing these aspects, teachers can create a rich and dynamic environment for teaching
poetry, enabling students to develop language skills while appreciating the cultural and emotional
dimensions of poetic expression.
• Contextualized Learning: Introduce grammar concepts within meaningful contexts to show how
they are used in real-life situations, making the learning experience more relevant and practical.
• Clear Explanations: Provide clear and concise explanations of grammar rules, using examples
that resonate with students. Visual aids, diagrams, and real-life examples can enhance
understanding.
• Interactive Activities: Engage students in interactive activities such as role-playing, games, or
group exercises to practice and apply grammar concepts in a communicative context.
• Scaffolded Instruction: Present grammar concepts progressively, starting with basic structures
and gradually introducing more complex rules. Build on prior knowledge to facilitate a step-by-
step understanding.
• Practical Application: Connect grammar lessons to practical language use by incorporating
writing tasks, speaking exercises, or real-world scenarios. This reinforces the relevance of
grammar in communication.
• Error Correction: Provide constructive feedback on students' language use, addressing grammar
errors with explanations and opportunities for correction. Encourage peer review to enhance
collaborative learning.
• Differentiated Instruction: Recognize individual learning styles and pace, tailoring instruction to
accommodate diverse learner needs. Offer additional support or challenges based on students'
proficiency levels.
• Technology Integration: Utilize technology tools, interactive apps, or online platforms to create
engaging grammar lessons. Digital resources can provide interactive exercises, quizzes, and
immediate feedback.
• Application in Writing:Emphasize the integration of grammar skills in writing tasks. Guide
students in incorporating grammar concepts into their written expressions to enhance overall
language proficiency.
• Realia and Authentic Materials: Use authentic materials such as articles, advertisements, or
excerpts from literature to expose students to naturally occurring grammar structures and
encourage critical analysis.
By incorporating these aspects into grammar instruction, teachers can create a dynamic and
effective learning environment that promotes a deeper understanding and practical application of
grammar in language use.
Teaching non-detailed text involves developing students’ skills in understanding and extracting
information from texts that may not require a thorough analysis. Here are key aspects of teaching non-
detailed text:
• Text Selection: Choose texts that are concise, straightforward, and aligned with students’
proficiency levels. Non-detailed texts can include news articles, brief reports, summaries, or
everyday texts.
• Skimming and Scanning Techniques: Teach students how to quickly skim for the main idea and
scan for specific details. These skills are essential for efficiently extracting information from non-
detailed texts.
• Main Idea Identification: Emphasize the importance of identifying the main idea or central
theme of the text. This skill helps students grasp the overall message without delving into
intricate details.
• Vocabulary Building: Focus on relevant vocabulary within the context of non-detailed texts.
Encourage students to deduce meanings from context and provide explanations for any
unfamiliar terms.
• Graphic Organizers: Implement graphic organizers, such as charts or diagrams, to help students
visually organize and represent information from non-detailed texts. This aids in comprehension
and retention.
• Summarization: Teach summarization skills, guiding students to condense the essential
information from the text into a brief and coherent summary. This enhances their ability to
extract key details.
• Predictive Reading: Encourage students to make predictions about the content based on
headings, subheadings, or introductory sentences. This pre-reading strategy primes them for the
information they are about to encounter.
• Discussion and Reflection: Foster class discussions about the content of non-detailed texts. This
promotes a deeper understanding of the information and encourages students to reflect on its
significance.
• Real-world Application: Relate non-detailed texts to real-world scenarios or current events.
Connecting the material to students’ lives enhances engagement and reinforces the practical
application of reading skills.
• Technology Integration: Utilize digital platforms, online articles, or multimedia resources to
expose students to a variety of non-detailed texts. Incorporate interactive elements to make the
learning experience more dynamic.
By incorporating these aspects into the teaching of non-detailed texts, educators can equip
students with essential reading skills, enabling them to efficiently extract information from a variety of
written materials commonly encountered in everyday life and academic contexts.
Unit-5
The use of media in English Language Teaching (ELT) has become integral in enhancing language
acquisition, providing diverse opportunities for interactive and engaging learning experiences. Various
forms of media, including audio, video, digital platforms, and interactive applications, play key roles in
ELT:
• Listening Skills Enhancement: Audio materials, podcasts, and online videos expose
learners to authentic accents, intonations, and speech patterns. This aids in improving
listening comprehension and pronunciation.
• Visual Context and Cultural Exposure: Video clips, documentaries, and multimedia
resources offer visual context to language learning, providing insights into cultural
nuances, customs, and real-life situations, fostering intercultural competence.
• Authentic Language Use: Authentic materials such as news articles, blogs, or social
media posts expose learners to real-world language use. This enhances their
understanding of idiomatic expressions, colloquial language, and current linguistic
trends.
• Interactive Language Practice: Digital platforms and language learning apps allow
learners to interact with language in a dynamic and personalized way. Interactive
exercises, quizzes, and games make language practice enjoyable and effective.
• Virtual Language Immersion: Virtual reality and immersive language-learning
experiences enable learners to virtually immerse themselves in English-speaking
environments. This provides a simulated, authentic context for language practice.
• Communication Skills Development: Social media, discussion forums, and collaborative
online projects facilitate communication in English. Learners engage in written and
spoken interactions, improving their communicative competence.
• Multimedia Presentations: Incorporating multimedia presentations in lessons allows
teachers to illustrate concepts visually, making abstract language elements more
tangible and comprehensible for students.
• Flexible Learning Opportunities: Online platforms and blended learning models provide
flexibility in accessing language materials anytime, anywhere. Learners can tailor their
learning experience to their pace and preferences.
• Authentic Assessments: Integrating multimedia components into assessments, such as
video presentations or podcast assignments, allows for authentic evaluation of language
skills beyond traditional written tests.
• Motivational Tool: The dynamic and visually appealing nature of media captures
learners’ interest, making the language learning process more engaging and motivating.
Effectively leveraging media in ELT requires thoughtful integration aligned with learning
objectives. By incorporating diverse media forms, educators can create a rich and immersive language
learning environment that caters to the varied needs and preferences of learners, ultimately enhancing
their overall language proficiency.
Textual content plays a crucial role in providing foundational knowledge, grammar rules, and
vocabulary. It serves as a reference point for learners to grasp the fundamentals of the language. This
can be presented in the form of written lessons, e-books, or interactive modules.
Visual aids, such as images, infographics, and videos, enhance the learning experience by
providing context, cultural insights, and real-world examples. Visual elements help learners connect
words to images, making the language more memorable and relatable. Cultural nuances and context are
better understood through multimedia presentations, fostering a deeper appreciation for the language.
Interactive components, including quizzes, games, and simulations, actively engage learners in
the learning process. These elements not only reinforce the acquired knowledge but also provide
immediate feedback, allowing learners to track their progress and address specific areas for
improvement.
In conclusion, the integration of text, audio, video, and interactive elements in a multimedia
language learning system creates a dynamic, engaging, and holistic approach to language acquisition. By
embracing diverse media formats and leveraging technology, learners can benefit from a comprehensive
language learning experience that caters to their individual needs and preferences.
BBC English, delivered through radio and television, has been a longstanding and influential
resource for language learners worldwide. Renowned for its clear pronunciation, diverse accents, and
authentic language use, BBC programs provide a valuable tool for improving listening and
comprehension skills.
BBC Radio offers a variety of programs, including news, documentaries, and dramas, providing
exposure to different registers and styles of English. The audio-only format challenges learners to focus
on auditory cues, enhancing their ability to understand spoken English in various contexts.
Furthermore, the diverse range of accents featured in BBC English exposes learners to the
richness of global English varieties, contributing to better communication in international settings.
In summary, BBC English delivered through radio and television provides a multifaceted language
learning experience. The combination of audio and visual elements, along with authentic language use,
contributes significantly to the development of listening, comprehension, and overall language
proficiency for learners of English around the world.
An outline history Using BBC English by Radio and Television in the classroom:
Utilizing BBC English through radio and television in the classroom has a rich history, offering
educators a versatile tool to enhance language learning. The integration of these resources follows a
progressive path, spanning various methodologies and technological advancements.