Teaching Methods

Throughout the history of language teaching and learning, there have always been
attempts to find solutions to classroom-related problems. These solutions have always
been considered in the introduction of new theories, approaches, and methods to
compensate for previous ones which were found to be defective, ineffective, and
unpractical.

Prepared by: Chafik Jellas

Grammar Translation Method (GTM)
This method is said to be the oldest language teaching method
where learning mainly occurs through translation to and from
the target language. Grammar rules are to be memorized and
long lists of vocabulary are provided to students to be learned by
heart. There is little or no emphasis placed on developing oral
ability as the method’s primary goal is to develop writing skills.
The Audiolingual Method (ALM)
The Direct Method (DM)
In this method, the teaching is done
exclusively in the target language. The
learner is not allowed to use his or her
mother tongue in the least. Grammar rules
are avoided as grammar is taught
inductively. Through this method, fluency of
speech, good pronunciation, and power of
expression are properly developed.

The Audio-Lingual Method appeared as a reaction to The

Grammar Translation Method as it focuses on speech as the Total Physical Response
primary mode of expression, and the emphasis was not on the (TPR)
understanding of words, but rather on the acquisition of Total Physical Response works by having the
structures and patterns in common everyday dialogues. These learner listen to instructions from the
patterns are elicited, repeated, and tested until the responses teacher, understand them and respond to
given by the student in the foreign language are automatic. them such as "Stand up", "Close your book",
In this method, the aim is to develop listening and speaking skills "Go to the window and open it." This method
through listening to dialogues with repetitions and drilling but stresses the importance of aural
with little or no teacher explanation. It rejects the use of the comprehension
mother tongue

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Suggestopedia Communicative Language
George Lozanov, the pioneer of this method, based his theory
Teaching (CLT)
on Krashen’s affective filter which asserts that a language can
CLT is probably the most recent teaching
be acquired only when the learner is comfortable and has no
approach. The focus of this approach is to
mental blocks, and to enhance language learning. The
enable the learner to engage in ‘created’ real-life
psychological barriers in learners are thus de suggested by
situations that necessitate communication with
creating a cheerful atmosphere in the classroom, through the
fluency as well as accuracy in linguistic aspects.
use of music, pictures, and colors.
So its primary goal is for learners to develop
‘communicative competence. In other words, it
The Silent Way (SW) focuses on making students able to use the
This is so-called because it aims at reducing the amount of the English language outside the classroom
teacher talk-time to say as little as possible in order to give the environment.
learner or the students the responsibility to say what they want.
One of the basic principles of the silent way is that learning is
more important than teaching. One of the goals of the teacher
is to encourage the students to be independent. The teacher will
not criticize or correct, but the students will keep on correcting
themselves until they reach success. The general role of the
silent way is to help students to gain fluency in the target
language.

Prepared by: Chafik Jellas