What is the situational approach of teaching English | Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching

Summary

The situational approach to teaching English, developed in the 1930s and popularized in 1960s England, emphasizes practical communication in specific contexts. It focuses on teaching grammar patterns and high-frequency vocabulary through repetition and correction of every error to prevent habituation of mistakes. This method prioritizes oral practice, aiming to enable students to communicate in various real-life situations like shopping or visiting a doctor. However, it has drawbacks, including the limitation of language to habit formation and the potential suppression of communication due to constant correction.

Takeaways

• 📚 The situational approach to teaching English was developed in the 1930s and gained popularity in England around the 1960s.
• 🗣️ It focuses on teaching speaking structures and basic vocabulary within specific situations, hence the name 'situational English'.
• 🔄 There is a strong emphasis on repetition to reinforce language learning.
• 👨‍🏫 Teachers in this approach correct every single error to prevent the habituation of mistakes, viewing language learning as a habit-formation process.
• 💬 The approach aims to teach grammar patterns and high-frequency vocabulary to enable communication in various everyday situations.
• 👂 There is a significant focus on oral practice, which is reflected in modern ESL textbooks.
• 🌐 Situational English prepares students for real-life scenarios such as visiting a doctor, shopping, or taking a taxi.
• 🚫 A drawback is that language learning involves more than just habit formation; it also requires the ability to create novel sentences.
• 🤔 Over-correction by teachers might inhibit students' communication, as they may become overly cautious about making mistakes.
• 📖 The situational approach's influence can be seen in contemporary ESL teaching materials that emphasize speaking and communication in various contexts.

Q & A

What is the situational approach to teaching English?

The situational approach to teaching English is a method developed in the 1930s, which focuses on teaching speaking structures and basic vocabulary within specific situations, hence the name 'situational English'.

When was the situational approach to teaching English popularized in England?

The situational approach to teaching English was popularized around the 1960s in England.

What is the primary focus of the situational approach?

The primary focus of the situational approach is on presenting language structures and vocabulary within specific situations, emphasizing oral practice and communication.

How does the situational approach view language learning?

The situational approach views language learning as a habit formation process, where repetition and correction of errors are key to developing proper language skills.

Why does the situational approach emphasize correcting every single error?

The approach emphasizes correcting every error to prevent students from practicing and thus reinforcing mistakes, which could lead to errors becoming 'fossilized' or ingrained.

What is the role of grammar patterns in the situational approach?

Grammar patterns are a central component of the situational approach, as they provide the structural basis for students to communicate effectively in various situations.

How does the situational approach address vocabulary teaching?

The situational approach focuses on teaching high-frequency vocabulary that allows students to communicate in a wide range of everyday situations.

What are some real-life situations that the situational approach might use for teaching English?

Real-life situations such as visiting a doctor, shopping, or taking a taxi are used to teach English within the context of the situational approach.

What are some criticisms of the situational approach to teaching English?

Critics argue that language is more than habit formation and that the approach may not adequately prepare students to create novel sentences or handle unique communication situations.

How might constant correction of errors affect communication in the situational approach?

Constant correction of errors can inhibit communication, as students might become overly cautious or self-conscious, which could hinder natural language use.

How has the situational approach influenced modern ESL textbooks?

Modern ESL textbooks often reflect the situational approach's focus on speaking, communication, and real-life situations, aiming to prepare students for practical language use.