Language Teaching Methods: An Overview
What is the best teaching method for learning English?
According to academic research, linguists have demonstrated that there is not one single best method for
everyone in all contexts, and that no one teaching method is inherently superior to the others.
Also, it is not always possible – or appropriate – to apply the same methodology to all learners, who have
different objectives, environments and learning needs.
Applying the most appropriate method for that learner’s specific objectives, learning
style and context.
An experienced professional language teacher always adopts the Principled Eclecticism approach, deciding
on the most suitable techniques and applying the most appropriate methodology for that learner’s specific
objectives, learning style and context.
Methods of teaching English have developed rapidly, especially in the previous 40 years. As a language
learner, training manager, or teacher, it is important to understand the various methods and techniques so that
you are able to navigate the market, make educated choices, and boost your enjoyment of learning a language.
An Overview
Each teaching method is based on a particular vision of understanding the language or the learning process,
often using specific techniques and materials used in a set sequence.
The main methodologies are listed below in the chronological order of their development:
Grammar Translation – the classical method
Direct Method – discovering the importance of speaking
Audio-lingualism – the first modern methodology
Humanistic Approaches – a range of holistic methods applied to language learning
Communicative Language Teaching – the modern standard method
Principled Eclecticism – fitting the method to the learner, not the learner to the method
What are the Differences?
Each method has a different focus or priority, so let’s look at what this means in practical terms in the
classroom.
The more common methods have a link to a separate page with more details and an explanation of how they
work, including the most common method currently used – Communicative Language Teaching:
Method Focus Characteristics
Translate from English into
Grammar Translation Written literary texts your native language
Direct Method (also called Student learns by associating
Natural Method) Everyday spoken language meaning directly in English
Listening and speaking drills
and pattern practice only in
Audio-Lingual Method Sentence and sound patterns English
English grammar rules
deduced and then understood
Cognitive Code Approach Grammar rules in context
Humanistic Approaches – 4 popular examples:
Teacher is silent to allow
Student interaction rather than student awareness of how
- The Silent Way teacher English works
Relaxed atmosphere, with
Meaningful texts and music; encourages subliminal
- Suggestopedia vocabulary learning of English
Understanding of English
- Community Language through active student
Learning Student interaction interaction
- Comprehension Approach English speaking delayed until
(Natural Approach, the students are ready; meaning
Learnables, and Total Physical clarified through actions and
Response) Listening comprehension visuals
Understanding of English
Interaction, authentic through active student
Communicative Language communication and interaction; role play, games,
Teaching negotiating meaning information gaps
Content based on relevance to
Content-based, Task-based, What is being communicated, students’ lives: topics, tasks,
and Participatory Approaches not structure of English problem-solving
Teach learning strategies,
Learning Strategy Training, cooperation; activities vary
Cooperative Learning, and according to different
Multiple Intelligences How to learn intelligences
Based on Techniques and Principles in Language Teaching (Oxford University Press)
Modern Teaching Methods
As mentioned above, the modern language teacher doesn’t follow one rigid method, but applies the Principled
Eclecticism approach – fitting the method to the learner, not vice versa.
This means choosing the techniques and activities that are appropriate for each particular task, context and
learner, with a focus on motivation and helping learners become independent and inspired to learn more.
The explanation of Principled Eclecticism also includes a useful ten-point guide for teachers and language
students on the best teaching and learning techniques.
By Alex Taylor
