Unit 1.

Principles of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)

Session 1. Approaches and methods in ELT
Handout 1. Teaching methods

Approach a way of looking at teaching and learning. It is a theoretical view of what

language is, and of how it can be learnt. 
Method a single set of procedures which teachers are to follow in the classroom. It is
usually based on a set of beliefs about the nature of language and learning.

Procedure an ordered set of techniques. They are the step-by-step measures to execute
a method
Technique This is the actual moment-to-moment classroom step that leads to a
specified outcome.

Method Description

Grammar- With this method, the student learns primarily by translating to and from the target language.
Translation Instructors encourage the learner to memorize grammar rules and vocabulary lists. There is
little or no focus on speaking and listening. Teachers conduct classes in the student’s native
language. This method’s two primary goals are to progress the learner’s reading ability to
understand literature in the second language and promote the learner’s overall intellectual
development. Grammar drills are a common approach. Another popular activity are
translation exercises that emphasize the form of the writing instead of the content.

Direct With this method, all teaching occurs in the target language, encouraging the learner to think
in that language. The learner does not practice translation or use their native language in the
classroom. Instructors do not stress grammar rules, learners figure out grammar rules on their
own by practicing the language. The goal for students is to develop connections between
experience and language. They do this by concentrating on good pronunciation and the
development of oral skills. This method improves understanding, fluency, reading, and
listening skills in our students. Standard techniques are question and answer, conversation,
reading aloud, writing, and student self-correction.

Audio-lingual It starts with listening and speaking, followed by reading and writing, meaning that it
emphasizes hearing and speaking the language before experiencing its written form. Drills are
used to teach structural patterns: set phrases are memorised with a focus on intonation,
grammatical explanations are kept to a minimum, vocabulary is taught in context, audio-
visual aids are used, focus is on pronunciation, correct responses are positively reinforced
immediately.

Method + and -

Grammar- + helps to compare the native language with the target language;
Translatio
the target language grammar is learnt in a relatively easy way;
n
increases the students’ reading and writing skills;
provides the students with good mental exercise;
the emphasis on accuracy enables students to learn the correct grammar
 of the target language

- overemphasizes accuracy to fluency;

the role of student is passive;
ignores communicative competence;
little emphasis on listening and speakng skills;
the students often fail to speak in real life situations;
the students need to memorize lots of vocabulary items and grammar rules.

Direct +improves fluency of speech;

develop fluency, reading, and listening skills
develop connections between experience and language
helping students express their thoughts and feelings directly in target language
- supports only limited vocabulary;

does not satisfy the needs of every student in large classes;

ignores writing aspects;
does not teach grammar systematically;
time-consuming in creating real life situations