English Language Teaching Approaches, Methods and Techniques

1. Approach, Methods,
Techniques

2. Edward Anthony
- There are three hierarchical elements – approach, method,
technique
Explanation:
Approach = set of assumptions dealing with the nature of language,
learning and teaching
Method = an overall plan for systematic presentation of language
based upon a selected approach
Techniques = the specific activities manifested in the classroom that
are consistent with a method and therefore in harmony with an
approach as well
Theodor Rogers, Jack Richards
- Proposed a reformation of the concept of method
Method = their method is more referred to “methodology“
= a generalized set of classroom specifications for
accomplishing linguistic objectives.
The subordinate themes are: approach, design, procedures

3. Elements and subelements of method – Richards and Rogers
approach design procedure
1. theory of native 1. the general and the classroom
language specific objectives techniques+procedures
2. a theory of the nature 2. syllabus and behaviours
of language learning 3. types of learning and observed when
teaching activities the method is used
4. learner´s role
5. teacher´s role
6. the role of instrumental
materials

4. Definitions that reflect current usage:
Methodology = the study of pedagogical practices in general (how to
teach)
Approach = theoretical positions and beliefs about the nature of
language, the nature of language learning
Method = a generalized set of classroom specifications for
accomplishing linguistic objectives
Syllabus = design for carrying out a particular language program
Technique = any of a wide variety of exercises, activities or devices
used in the language classroom for realising lesson objectives

5. Repka´s model
Approach Method
Planning operation
Programming – syllabus selection of tasks –
(specification of objective) dynamization of
techniques
Stern – 3 theories
1. Theory of teaching foreign language
2. Approaches and methods
3. Proved hypotheses concerning approaches and methods

6. TECHNIQUE
- Any of a wide variety of exercises, activities, or devices used in the
language classroom for realizing lesson objectives
- Technique is also referred to a task, procedure, activity and exercise
ACTIVITY
- Anything that learners actually do in the classroom
- Some sort of performance on the part of learners
PROCEDURE
- The actual moment – to moment techniques, practices and
behaviours that operate in teaching language
- Includes techniques

7. Categorizing techniques
1. From manipulation to communication
◊ manipulative = totally controlled by the teacher and require a
predicted response from the students (choral repetition, drills,
dictation and reading aloud)
◊ communicative = students´ responses are open-ended and
unpredictable (story-telling, brainstorming, role – plays, games)
Drill
◊ mechanical drill = only one correct response from a student
= no connection with the reality
◊ meaningful drill = may have a predicted response, but is connected to
some form of reality
◊ quasi-communicative practice = if the exercise is communicative is no
longer a drill

8. 2. Controlled to free techniques
Controlled Free
= teacher centered =student centered
= manipulative = communicative
= structured = open-ended
= predicted responses = unpredicted
responses
= pre-planned objectives = negotiated
objectives

9. Taxonomy of techniques
Controlled techniques
- warm up
- setting
- organizational
- content explanation
- role-play demonstration
- reading aloud
- question-answer, display
- drill
- translation
- dictation
- copying
- identification
- review
- testing

10. Semi controlled techniques
- Brainstorming
- Story-telling
- Dialogue
- Narration
- Information transfer
- Information exchange
- Wrap up
- Preparation
Free techniques
- Role play
- Games
- Report
- Problem solving
- Drama
- Simulation
- Interview
- Discussion
- composition

11. Supporting materials
Textbooks
- Selecting a textbook is a complex task, different things must be taken
into consideration:
a) goals of the course
b) background of students (age, education, native language,
motivation)
c) approach
d) language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing)
e) general content (proficiency level, authenticity)
f) quality of practice material (exercises, explanation, review)
g) sequencing
h) vocabulary
i) sociolinguistic factors (variety of English, cultural content)
j) format
k) supplementary material (workbook, tapes, tests, posters)
l) teacher´s guide (answer keys, alternative exercises)

12. Other written texts
- among other written texts available for use is an unlimited supply of real-
world textual material such as signs, schedules, calendars, advertisements,
menus, notes...
Audio-visual aids
1.Commercially produced – audio cassettes with: listening exercises
lectures
stories
- video tape and films: documentation
instruction
- slides, photographs, posters
2.Creative your own – tapes of conversations of people known to the students
- posters, charts, magazine pictures
3. Realia
Objects – food items, cosmetics, tools and other materials
Computer assisted language learning (CALL)
- tutorial programs (covering grammar, vocabulary, revising, editing)
- text building programs
- process writing (drafting, revising, editing)
- games
- testing

13. Thank you for your attention.