Theories, Methods and Techniques

Summary

This presentation explores various theories, methods, and techniques in language teaching, focusing on the nature vs. nurture debate. It reviews historical and modern teaching methodologies such as the Classical Method, Direct Method, Audio-Lingualism, Silent Way, Suggestopedia, and Total Physical Response. Each method is examined in terms of its origin, effectiveness, and limitations. The presentation concludes with the Engage, Study, and Activate (ESA) approach, highlighting its flexibility for different learner levels and its emphasis on communication, while addressing potential downsides like predictability and classroom noise.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The debate between nature and nurture in education has persisted for centuries, influencing various teaching methodologies.
• 📚 The classical method, dating back to the 17th century, focused on translating texts from languages like Latin and Greek into the native language (L1).
• 🗣️ The grammar-translation approach of the classical method did not develop speaking skills, which was a significant limitation.
• 🔄 The Direct Method, also known as the Natural Method, emerged in the late 19th century to mimic the natural language learning process of children.
• 🎧 Audio-lingualism, or the ARMY method, developed in the 1950s and 60s, emphasized behaviorist theories and repetitive drills for language learning.
• 🤔 The Silent Way, introduced by Caleb Gattegno, was based on constructivist theory, using visual aids like colored rods to teach language.
• 🎵 Suggestopedia, developed by Georgi Lozanov, aimed to reduce the affective filter to enhance language learning by creating a womb-like safe environment.
• 🏃‍♂️ Total Physical Response, proposed by James Asher, incorporated physical movement to engage the whole brain in language learning, particularly beneficial for young learners.
• 🔁 The ESA (Engage, Study, Activate) methodology, developed by Jeremy Harmer, is a three-stage approach that promotes communication and applies learned language in realistic contexts.
• 🌐 Each teaching methodology reflects a position on the nature versus nurture spectrum, indicating the evolving understanding of how humans learn languages.

Q & A

What is the central argument discussed at the beginning of the presentation?

The central argument is the nature vs. nurture debate, focusing on whether intelligence and learning are determined by natural processes (nature) or the environment and teaching (nurture).

How does the presenter define 'approach,' 'method,' and 'technique' in teaching?

The presenter defines 'approach' as an overarching set of principles, 'method' as a way to implement those principles, and 'technique' as the specific classroom actions that support the method.

What is the classical method of language teaching, and what are its main features?

The classical method, developed in the 17th century, focuses on translating texts between a student's native language (L1) and a target language (L2), primarily used for Latin and Greek. Its main drawback is that it doesn't develop speaking skills.

Why is the grammar-translation method still popular despite its limitations?

The grammar-translation method remains popular because it allows learners to infer meaning from familiar grammar structures, even if it does not develop speaking skills. It’s effective when grammar structures between two languages are similar.

What inspired the development of the direct method, and how does it differ from the classical method?

The direct method, developed in the early 1900s, was inspired by the idea that language learning should mimic how children learn their native language, focusing on speaking and listening rather than translation.

What is audio-lingualism, and what psychological theory influenced its development?

Audio-lingualism is a teaching method that involves listening and repeating (drills) to learn a language. It was influenced by behaviorist psychology, particularly Pavlov's stimulus-response theory, and was used by the US military to teach languages quickly.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the audio-lingualism method?

The strengths of audio-lingualism include quick vocabulary acquisition and correct pronunciation. Its weaknesses are the lack of realistic context and an overemphasis on error correction, which can hinder natural language use.

How does the silent way differ from behaviorist approaches, and what is its main teaching tool?

The silent way, based on constructivism, differs from behaviorist methods by encouraging students to build their own understanding of language. It uses colored rods, known as Cuisenaire rods, to visually represent sounds and grammar.

What is the concept of the 'affective filter' in Suggestopedia, and how does the method address it?

The 'affective filter' refers to internal and external barriers to learning. Suggestopedia aims to lower this filter by creating a relaxed learning environment, using music and comfortable settings to make students more receptive to language learning.

What is Total Physical Response (TPR), and why is it effective for young learners?

Total Physical Response (TPR) is a method that combines language learning with physical movement, engaging both brain hemispheres. It’s particularly effective for young learners as it promotes long-term retention of vocabulary through physical actions.

What is the ESA methodology, and what are its three main phases?

The ESA (Engage, Study, Activate) methodology, developed by Jeremy Harmer, involves three phases: Engage (getting students involved and thinking in English), Study (teaching and reinforcing knowledge), and Activate (practicing the language in real contexts).