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Grammar Translation Theory
This is considered a non-research based theory and antiquated, yet still used today in and parts of Asia as well as the Americas. Basically it is teaching students to read and write in the target language by skill & drill with repetition of grammar rules, memorization of lists, use of worksheets with fill in the blank’s, diagrammimg sentences. It is thought that students could learn literature but often failed when it came time to learn more compllexities of the target language. -
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History of ESOL
Brief description of methodologies in the history of educating English Language Leaeners. -
Pre Behaviorism Period: The Series Method
This method was invented by François Gouin, who spent time in Germany but never seemed to manage to master the language. When he returned to France he watched his nephew acquire language and decided that it was about connecting language to doing a particular task. In this method the teacher would describe a task in a set of “series” ”and the student would mimic the teacher, thus acquiring and improving their linguistic skills. It was deemed a failure at the time. -
Direct Method
Developed by Charles Berlitz it focused on immersing students in the target language with the objectives being speaking & listening comprehension. Vocabulary was taught in context using pictures and dictation was used to teach writing. Questioning and answers were given in the target language. Generally these classes were small which made it difficult in public schools and also teachers had to be fluent in the target language. It died off & there was a return to Grammar Translation. -
Behaviorism Period:AudioLingual Method (ALM)
Also known as the “Army Method” because during WWII it was evident that most Americans could not speak a foreign language. This method is about learning to converse in the target language. This theory is based on response/reward - Pavlovian behavior system and does not focus on learning grammatical structures. It operates in the idea that students have “blank slates” in the mind open to learn a new language. Uses skills& drill, repetition, & many visual aids to learn vocabulary. -
Universal Grammar
Noam Chomsky and David Aysebelmas came onto the language learning scene in the 1960s and threw out the ideas of behaviorism in favor of humanism philosophy. They held that babies were not born with a tabula Rosa, or clean slate, rather they had a preconditioned set of grammar cognates in their head enabling them to learn. The premise is that learning must have some meaning to it in order for there to be any retention. Rote methods of learning were -
Community Language Learning
Charles Curran Developed a process of learning language, which in modern times, I would describe as a method of supporting one’s self-esteem. Environmental factors must be perfect in order not to interfere with someone’s ability to learn. It doesn’t sound like it was a very effective method of learning, and it reminds me of harmony circles, where you’re just trying to make someone feel good about their learning,even if they’re not learning anything at all. -
Suggestopedia
Georgi Lozanov developed this particular teaching method which uses Baroque music, and the rhythm from that music, to help students learn a target language. It is a teacher centered technique, in which the teacher plays bars of music, speaks in the target language, and the students would repeat the phrase to the beat of the music. The technique theorizes that you can find your way “suggested” into proficiency of the target language as you relaxa in comfy arm chairs in a warm & fuzzy environment. -
The Silent Method
Caleb Gateggno developed what is essentially a student centered approach to learning the target language, based on inquiry. This particular method incorporates the use of color coded phonemic rids, wall charts, pictures and various activities. The teacher acts as a facilitator in the classroom, only intervening when a student is having trouble. In my opinion this doesn’t sound like a very effective way of learning a language either. -
Total Physical Response (TPR)
As a product of the 1980s public educational world, this is how I remember mostly learning my language study of French. Students are involved in a total physical response by following commands and getting up and actively moving around the classroom. In this way students learn vocabulary and speak commands in the target language. This is the technique where the learning environment is the least stressful and the most fun. -
The Natural Approach
Krashen & Terrell Stated that language could be learned it naturally in a relaxed atmosphere where students should be supported and to learn in their own timing, to not force communication until students have mastered the lexicon of the target language. With this approach students are allowed to use their native language when responding in the classroom. Again, it is a teacher centered approach. -
Communicative Method (CLT)
In this method of learning the target language grammar is not taught at al. This method employs the “three P’s” methis - presentation practice & production. The teacher presents real life situations, students practice a dialogue and then they present their dialogue to the teacher. This particular method has sustained longevity. Often times teachers well add mini-grammar lessons anyway.
