Jack C. Richards - Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching

Summary

In this interview, Professor Jack Richards discusses the third edition of his influential book on language teaching methods. The book surveys various approaches to teaching English over the past 100 years, highlighting both historical and current methods. Richards explains the motivations for the updated edition, including the addition of new chapters on topics like the Common European Framework and Content and Language Integrated Learning. The book also includes tasks and discussion questions to engage readers in critical thinking and reflection on language teaching practices, offering valuable insights for teachers and trainers.

Takeaways

• 😀 The book *Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching* surveys teaching methods used over the past 100 years in English language education.
• 😀 The third edition of the book was released due to widespread demand from teachers for an updated version.
• 😀 The book is designed for graduate programs, focusing on general methods, not specific classroom techniques.
• 😀 New features in the third edition include four new chapters, discussion questions, and examples of commercial materials.
• 😀 The book now includes a summary chart at the back to compare different language teaching methods and their principles.
• 😀 Richards co-authored the book with Theodore Rogers, though Rogers was less involved in the third edition due to other commitments.
• 😀 Despite the idea of being in a 'post-methods' era, the book argues that teachers still teach within specific philosophical frameworks.
• 😀 The book is meant to foster critical thinking, awareness, and understanding of language teaching methods rather than providing ready-to-apply techniques.
• 😀 The book includes updated chapters on topics like the Common European Framework and Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL).
• 😀 Additional chapters focus on the roles of learners, teachers, and curriculum in shaping language teaching methods and practices.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Professor Jack Richards' book?

The book surveys different methods and approaches that have been used over the past 100 years for teaching English as a second or foreign language. It specifically focuses on the general methods that are still prominent today.

Why was the third edition of the book released?

The third edition was released in response to widespread requests from professors and teachers who wanted an updated version. The book had been widely used and translated into multiple languages, and there was a demand for more up-to-date content.

What new features can readers expect in the third edition?

The third edition includes several new chapters, discussion questions at the end of each chapter, examples of commercial materials based on the methods discussed, and a chart summarizing the principles of various teaching methods.

What role did Theodore Rogers play in the third edition?

Theodore Rogers co-authored the book with Professor Jack Richards, but due to other commitments, he contributed less to the third edition compared to previous editions. Richards took on the majority of the work for the new edition.

How does the book address the issue of 'post-methods' in language teaching?

The book discusses the idea of moving beyond traditional methods to personalized teaching principles, but it also acknowledges that in many institutions, teachers still tend to work within specific methods or approaches. The book highlights this ongoing debate and updates the reader on the current trends in teaching.

How is the book structured to encourage engagement with the readers?

The book includes discussion questions and reflective tasks at the end of each chapter, designed to engage readers actively. These features encourage critical thinking and in-depth exploration of the methods covered in the book.

Is this book suitable for independent readers or mainly for classroom use?

The book is suitable for both independent readers and classroom use. It is designed to help teachers update their professional knowledge and can be used by anyone wanting to explore language teaching methods in more detail.

What are some of the new chapters added in the third edition?

New chapters include topics such as the Common European Framework, Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), text-based teaching, and the roles of learners, teachers, and the curriculum in language teaching.

How has the content of the book been updated to reflect current trends?

The book has been updated with new chapters on current educational frameworks and teaching methods. It includes discussions on the role of the teacher and learner, the evolution of learning theories, and how modern methods integrate into language curricula.

What is the primary goal of the book for its readers?

The book aims to provide readers with knowledge that will help them critically evaluate language teaching methods, understand the history of the profession, and develop awareness and critical thinking about current approaches to language teaching.