Language in Theory
All summaries of teaching methods are based on the two sites cited below and one textbook
The grammar translation approach
This is the way they used to teach people different languages since they started teaching different languages. The main thing in this method is translation, you translate a text from your mother tongue (Dutch) to the target language (French, English, German etc.) and then translate another text. You would read texts but only as a grammar exercise. You learn the rules of a language, memorise words but you never practice the language. You can only write it down not speak it. [1]
The direct approach
The direct approach is the opposite of the grammar translation approach. There is no translation, the lessons are only in the target language and you never speak the mother tongue (Dutch). You only learn words you use in everyday conversation and learn grammar by speaking not the rules. Learning about culture is also very important. [1][2]
Audio-lingual method
This method is based on mimicry – this means you repeat what someone else does. It also uses a lot of memorisation of standard phrases and repetitive drills (you keep repeating it over and over again). This method was supposed to be scientific and efficient. It treats learning a language like learning science: you learn the mechanisms (rules and way it works) and therefore you can use the language. All the skills (Listening, speaking, reading and writing) are thought in order and separate from each other. The focus is on pronunciation and the students are expected to speak the target language. [1][3]
The silent way
As the name suggests this method is based on the teacher being silent. Students are expected to figure everything out themselves. They are given the materials needed to learn and the teacher does not help. It is supposed to make students independent, they can help each other solve problems and learn together. There was a lot of criticism on this method because it seems harsh and the classroom environment this creates is not good for learning. [2]
Communicative approach
This approach is focused on the ability to communicate. If you are able to say what you want using words and hands and the other person understands you it is okay. It uses the language in an unrehearsed context (this means you do not get to practice it beforehand), you learn the language by trying and the students are focused on the practical use of the language. [1]
[1] Thanasoulas, D. (2002). History of English Language Teaching. Retrieved from https://www.englishclub.com/tefl-articles/history-english-language-teaching.htm
[2] Kerper Mora, J. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://moramodules.com/ALMMethods.htm
[3] Richards, J. C., & Rodgers, T. S. (2014). Approaches and methods in language teaching (3rd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
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