Bilingual Method of

Teaching
 Bilingual Teaching - Language Across the Curriculum

Bilingual Method, a teaching method of English language.

A method of teaching foreign language was developed by C.J Dodson in
1967.
• The method is used where two language ie, the mother tongue and target
language are used.
• Here, the mother tongue is used to achieve the target language.
 The Method
It is based on the principles of similarities and differences which is found
between the two languages.
These may be of situation, sounds, vocabulary, structure, etc.
 Principles of Bilingual Teaching
• Understanding of words & sentences in FL can be made easier by the use of MT
• No need to create artificial situations to explain meaning of words and sentences
of the TL.
• It is the combination of the Direct method and Grammar translation method.
 Characteristics of Bilingual Method
• Permits the use of first language.
• Teacher is not required to make situations.
• Sentence is the unit of teaching.
• Intensive practice in sentence patterns.
• Restricted use of mother tongue.
• Emphasis on pronunciation
• Consideration for all skills.
 Advantages of Bilingual Method
• The teacher can save time as the mother tongue is used.
• An average teacher can use this method in class.
• This method is less costly as the use of teaching aids is minimum.
• Mother tongue acquisition rules are helpful in this method.
 Disadvantages of Bilingual Method
• Cannot be applied in multi linguistic group.
• Requires teachers well versed in both language.
• Frequent comparison and contrast with mother tongue may cause
confusion.
• It may degenerate into translation method.
• Diverges the attention of the students
 Disadvantages
• Spoils the continuity and fluency of the language.
• Leads to defective pronunciation.
• Danger of the bad habit of learning everything by filtering through MT.
• Reduces students exposure to the target language.
• Ignores fundamental aims of ELT.
Eclectic Method of
Teaching
 Brief History
• 17th Century
• Derived from Greek ἐκλεκτικός (eklektikos)
• Literally "choosing the best", and that from ἐκλεκτός (eklektos), "picked out, select".
 Definition
• A main proponent of Eclectic Approach is Rivers(1981).
• According to him ‘an eclectic approach allows the language teachers to absorb the
best techniques of all the well known language teaching methods in their classrooms
procedures using then for the purposes for which they are most appropriate”
• More flexibility & adaptability to choose the best as per students’ need & aim.
• Breaks monotony of the class.
• Suparman (2017), Eclectic approach combines different methods and approaches to
teach language depending on the aims of the lessons and the abilities of the learners.
 Definition
• According to Weidman (2001:2), “The Eclectic Approach has been widely accepted
in English classrooms that many good teachers today use it proudly as a tag to
describe to their teaching, wearing it almost like a badge of honour”.
• Kumar (2013) supports the Eclectic Approach and declares, “The purpose of
advocating eclectic method is to connect life experiences to the ideas presented in
learning of the language.
• The types of learning activities teachers select are often directly related to their
experiences in the real world.”
• Brown (2002) argues that eclecticism provides the solution because the approach
allows the teacher to select what works within their own dynamic contexts.
 Characteristics (According to Kumar, 2013)
• It is innovative and enjoyable.
• Enhances learners’ participation and interaction.
• Connects life experiences to the ideas presented in the learning of the language.
• Makes English teaching practical.
• Enables teachers to attain objectives of learning easily.
• Enables learners to speak frequently solve problems of language teachers and language
learners.
• Includes multiple tasks.
• Gives equal importance to the four skill i.e. Speaking, Listening, reading and writing.
• Saves time and effort.
 Merits of Eclectic Method
• Brown (2002) states:
• Eclectic approach is important because it gives the teacher freedom to choose what is
appropriate in their own dynamic teaching contexts.
• Kumar (2013) mentions the following advantages:
• It is easier for learners to understand the language of the text in its cultural context.
• Blends listening, speaking, reading and writing.
• Helps teacher to teach effectively by drawing on the strength of various methods and
avoiding their weaknesses.
• Learning is easy due to the use of realistic situations in the classroom.
• Teaching learning process has become easier and rewarding.
 Merits of Eclectic Method
• Creates a good learning environment in which the student- student relationship is
improved.
• Teaching of English language is made easy by creating realistic situation in the
classroom through eclectic approach.
• The eclectic approach has the potential of keeping language teachers open to
alternatives.
• It recommends that any method or approach can be used based on the level of
students.
 Demerits of Eclectic Method
• Weidemann (2001) - Disadvantages of the eclectic approach:
• Cuts teachers off from a reconsideration of their professional practices.
• This approach is criticized severely
• Selection of appropriate method is challenge for specific session &generates uncertainty
• It is unsafe as teacher may fall victim of the methodological baggage that comes with it.
• Mixing all manner of methods and approaches may result in gathering in one‘s teaching
arsenal; but using such a mixed bag can lead to all kinds of conflicts.
• If an innovative technique is used only occasionally, and mixed in with other (potentially
contradictory ones), the effect of the new is diluted.
• It is not useful for slow learners.
• Only well trained teachers can become an eclectic,
 Role of Teacher in Eclectic Approach of Teaching
• The role of teachers is that of a coach and facilitator.
• This approach emphasizes a variety of different types of methods that shifts the role
of the instructors from givers of information to facilitating student learning.
• The primary goals of a teacher in interaction with the students are:
• 1. facilitation of the student’s solving their problem.
• 2. promoting an environment of inquiry
• 3. collaboration through the modeling of questioning and listening skills.
• Active learning also gives the teacher time to perform the helping teacher functions
of coach, listener and advocate. Wudu (2006).
 Role of Teacher in Eclectic Approach of Teaching
• An Eclectic Teacher needs to be, imaginative, energetic and willing to experiment
for the purpose of keeping lessons varied and interesting.
 Role of Learner in Eclectic Approach of Teaching
• According to Stephen Krashen’s Theory of Second Language, acquisition (1988)
the best method of 2nd language teaching and learning are therefore those that
supply comprehensive input in low anxiety situations, containing messages that
learners really want to learn.
• Eclectic method showed that it influences learning in class.
• EM makes learners to be alert, develop listening skills and become active in class. It
also influences learner’s concentration and interests that will allow class discussion.
• These findings confirm that the students do a variety of different things
simultaneously.
• Meanwhile, the teacher is actively moving around to support the students as they
work.
 Role of Learner in Eclectic Approach of Teaching
• According to Stephen Krashen’s Theory of Second Language, acquisition (1988)
the best method of 2nd language teaching and learning are therefore those that
supply comprehensive input in low anxiety situations, containing messages that
learners really want to learn.
• Eclectic method showed that it influences learning in class.
• EM makes learners to be alert, develop listening skills and become active in class. It
also influences learner’s concentration and interests that will allow class discussion.
• These findings confirm that the students do a variety of different things
simultaneously.
• Meanwhile, the teacher is actively moving around to support the students as they
work.