Approaches and methods in language teaching Assignment

Approaches and methods in language teaching - Assignment Example It should not contain any contradicts within the material to be used. We know that an approach is unquestionable but a method is technical in its application. There can be different methods within one approach. As described by Anthony’s model (1963) an approach illustrates all the assumptions and beliefs related with language and language learning in a broader manner however, a method is a way through which one can implement the theory in a practical framework. A method also defines the methods to be used, skills to be taught, content to be analyzed and more specifically, the order in which the content should be presented. The Grammar-Translation Method : This technique was established in the 18th century. The main aim behind the development of this method was to infuse modern ways of teaching languages to school children. The method was an adoption of the techniques used by the individual learners who were studying classical languages like Greek and Latin. The method revolves around the understanding of the grammar and translating the original contents into learner’s native language. This method enabled the teachers to develop a better understanding of grammar techniques and the rules applied. This technique also differs from communicative language teaching (CLT). The main focus of the Grammar-Translation Method is to translate the words and difficult phrases for the ease of the students into their language from the language they intended to learn. The Direct Method: The Direct Method was coined in the early 20th century. It was formulated to eliminate the problems related with Grammar-Translation. The Direct Method involved the direct learning of the lessons in the target language. This method had a significant value in the learning of the target language as the form of language used for giving instructions to the students. This method is also considered viable and important in the learning programs till today. This method developed in 1920s has transformed into a more advanced method which is now known as Situational Learning Teaching. Audiolingulaism: Audiolingulaism was underpinned during 1950s and 1960s. It was formulated during the times when it was thought that learning a new language is comparable to learning new habits. Learners were emphasized on the need to learn the grammar of the new language. The main emphasize was not laid on the language rules to be followed but to respond to the situation. The students were asked to produce sentences for that particular situation. Teachers focused the students on speaking and listening of the language as compare to reading and writing. It was thought that speaking and listening are the fundamental pillars in learning a new language. Drill was the most common characteristic of an audiolingual class. It was the kind of activity in which the teacher used different prompts for the students to produce a sentence by using the proper grammatical structure. For example; Teacher : ( holding up a picture of a post office) Where’s Mary going ?, Learner : She’s going to the post office. However, today the value of drills is considered limited as such methods are found less useful for the speakers to interact with other people naturally. Presentation-Practice-Production or PPP : In this technique, a teacher creates the understanding of the new language either by playing a recorded dialogue or making the learner to read a written text. The learners are then required to