The Grammar – Translation Method /Classical Method

TEACHING METHODS
A Brief Synthesis
TESOL for adults 2009
Canada TESOL Center
The Grammar – Translation Method /Classical Method
Goals
Ss be able to read literature written in English.
Role of Teacher
Very traditional, high authority
Learning process
Translating from English to the native language.
Study grammar deductively and memorize rules
Apply memorized rules in other examples
St-T interaction
Mostly T->St / Little St->T or St<->St
Language viewed
As superior to spoken language
Culture viewed
As consisting of literature and the fine art
Primary skills
Vocabulary and grammar -> Reading and writing
Language in class
St’s native language
Evaluation
Written tests where Sts are basically asked to translate
St’s errors
T supply correct answer soon
Techniques used
* Translation of a literary passage – spoken or written
* Reading comprehension questions – info scanning & inferences based on understanding
* Antonyms / Synonyms
* Cognates – (for languages that keeps similarity to English) – To recognize cognates
* Deductive application of rule – apply learnt grammar rules to different examples
* Fill-in-the-blanks – words, prepositions, verbs in correct tense.
* Memorization – vocabulary and grammar rules
* Composition – based on a topic
The Direct Method
Goals
Ss be able to how to communicate and think in English.
Role of Teacher
Sts less passive than “the grammar/trans meth”; T& St as partners
Learning process
Meaning is associated directly in English / NO translations
Syllabus based upon situations or topics
NO grammar rules are given
St-T interaction
T <-> St / St<-> St
Language viewed
As primarily spoken, no written
Culture viewed
As consisting of history of people, of daily lives
Primary skills
Vocabulary emphasized over grammar / Basically oral
Language in class
ONLY English in class
Evaluation
Based in using the language, both orally and written
St’s errors
T help Sts self-correct errors whenever need
Techniques used
•
Reading aloud
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Questions & answers exercise
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Getting Sts self-correct – eliciting
•
Conversation practice – Questions may contain grammar sturct ./ Sts practice each other
•
Fiil-in-blanks – induced grammar rules included
•
Complete missing info – by pictures, etc Sts are asked orally provide necessary info
•
Paragraph writing
The Audio-Lingual Method
Goals
Ss be able to use English communicatively.
Role of Teacher
Orchestra leader- direct, control and good model for imitation
Learning process
Based on behavioral psychology
Imitation – repetition – drilling based on a pattern in a dialogue
Oral practice followed by reading & writing work
St-T interaction
Initially T->St / Later T<-> St & St<->St
Language viewed
Every language has its unique system / each level has its pattern
Culture viewed
As everyday behavior & lifestyle of people
Primary skills
First listening & speaking; later reading & writing
Sound system & grammar patterns priorized
Language in class
ONLY English in class
Evaluation
St’s errors
Techniques used
•
Dialogue memorization – thru mimicry, role play, performing the dialogue
•
Backward build-up (expansion) drill – cracking down long sentences in part, later make whole sent.
•
Repetition drill
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Chain drill
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Single-slot substitution drill / Multiple-slot substitution drill / transformation drill
•
Q & A drill
•
Complete the dialogue – fill in blanks
•
Grammar game
The Communicative Language Teaching
Goals
Ss .
Role of Teacher
O
Learning process
B
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ork
St-T interaction
St
Language viewed
ern
Culture viewed
e
Primary skills
g
Language in class
ONLY English in class
Evaluation
St’s errors
Techniques used
•
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