Unit 15 Approaches to language teaching

In this unit we talked about the view of language and how it takes place, we might think that language is a set of grammar rules and first we have to learn them to learn the language, but approaches refers to the ways or methods of teaching used in the classroom.

We have different approaches such as structural approaches in which language is a system of structures used to communicate meaning, the language is learn through controlled practice or simplifier structures, in the classroom oral skills are learnt before written skills. In addition we have the task-based learning language is a tool for communicating meaning through the use of functions and discourse, the classroom activities are based on problem-solving task.

Presentation, practice and production, the syllabus is focus grammatical structures and forms, lessons move from the presentation stage to practice, learners are not allow to make mistakes, teachers input the language the activities are situational presentations and miming, drills, information gaps activities.

Lexical approach, vocabulary is the most important aspect of language it consists on chunks such as collocations, idioms etc, they need to be notice in order to be learnt. Then the functional approaches here functions are the most important the syllabus is focus on functions usually graded according to their frequency of daily used.

The communicative approaches here communication is really important aspect of language, the best way of learning is to use interaction, fluency is more important than accuracy and authentic materials provide useful input for learners. Grammar translation, language is made up of grammatical rules, it’s important for students to work out with the language. Total physical response, grammatical structures and vocabulary are the most important aspect of language; learners are exposed to language it means that comprehension comes before production.

Useful resources:

•  http://moramodules.com/ALMMethods.htm