Language Teaching Methods: A Comprehensive Comparison

Posted on Apr 2, 2025 in Primary Education

Language Teaching Methods: A Comparison

Grammar Translation Method

  • Origins: 16th century. Traditional technique originating from teaching Latin and Greek.
  • Alternative Names: Classical Method.
  • Skills Based On: Reading and writing.
  • Centered On: Teacher.
  • Features: Variety of exercises, long explanations, use of L1 and L2.
  • Advantages: Requires less language proficiency from the teacher; lessons are easier to remember.
  • Disadvantages: Difficult with large classes; teacher-centered; limited speaking and pronunciation development; isolated work.

Direct Method

  • Origins: 1900s, Germany and France.
  • Alternative Names: Reform Method, Natural Method.
  • Skills Based On: Speaking.
  • Centered On: Student.
  • Features: Focus on question-answer patterns, inductive grammar teaching, emphasis on spoken language, visual aids.
  • Advantages: Encourages spontaneous L2 use; promotes understanding.
  • Disadvantages: Neglects reading and writing; can be overwhelming initially; sensitive to emotional states.

Audiolingual Method (Behaviorism)

  • Origins: WWII, 1950s.
  • Alternative Names: Army Method, New Key Method.
  • Skills Based On: Speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
  • Centered On: Teacher.
  • Features: Repetition, substitution drills, question-answer patterns.
  • Advantages: Encourages participation; suitable for various group sizes; allows self-paced learning.
  • Disadvantages: Lacks communicative interaction; can be tedious and boring; may not challenge advanced students.

Multisensory Learning (VAKT)

  • Origins: 1970s, Holland.
  • Alternative Names: VAKT (Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic, Tactile).
  • Skills Based On: Auditory, visual, tactile, kinesthetic senses.
  • Centered On: Student.
  • Features: Based on sensory input.
  • Advantages: Beneficial for students with disabilities or learning difficulties.
  • Disadvantages: Requires specialized teacher training.

Total Physical Response (TPR)

  • Origins: Dr. James Asher, 1960s.
  • Skills Based On: Coordination of language and physical movements.
  • Centered On: Teacher.
  • Features: Teacher-led instructions followed by students; stress-free environment; inductive grammar teaching; delayed speaking.
  • Advantages: Effective for vocabulary learning; suitable for all ages; memorable.
  • Disadvantages: Limited scope; can become repetitive; needs to be combined with other methods.

Communicative Approach (CLT)

  • Origins: Britain, 1960s-70s.
  • Alternative Names: Communicative Language Teaching (CLT).
  • Skills Based On: Reading, writing, listening, and speaking (equal emphasis).
  • Centered On: Student.
  • Features: Feedback, learning by doing, tolerance of mistakes.
  • Advantages: Promotes student interaction; integrates all language skills from the beginning.
  • Disadvantages: Requires significant group participation; may prioritize fluency over accuracy; challenging to monitor individual language use.

Task-Based Learning (TBL)

  • Origins: India, 1980s-90s.
  • Alternative Names: TBLL (Task-Based Language Learning).
  • Skills Based On: Thinking skills.
  • Centered On: Student (based on Project-Based Learning).
  • Features: Active teaching method; focuses on student-generated sentences; emphasizes real-life activities; assessment based on task outcome.
  • Advantages: Promotes cooperation and learning; beneficial for learners with poor note-taking skills; empowers learners.
  • Disadvantages: Can be perceived as an obstacle by learners; may lead to feelings of disconnection.