UNIT 15

 Approaches to language teaching

   In this unit I learn that an approach refers to the way of looking and learning. In other words it is a theoretical view of what language is and how it can be learnt. It gives raise to methods, the way of teaching something, which teachers use in classroom (activities or techniques) to help learners learn. It also said that language is a tool to communicate meaning and that generally speaking, and that learners learn best by using it in communicative activities (information gaps, letter writing, note taking, etc.) that focus on fluency.

   There are many different approaches to teaching. One of them is the Presentation Practice and Production (PPP). Its view is that language can be best learn through grammar structures and functions considered as the most important aspect of language. If the teacher uses this approach in the classroom, it means that the activities are going to be controlled and guided all the time. The teacher is going to start presenting the topic, explaining the grammatical structures so he or she inputs language by providing examples, giving information about it and guiding students and finally the teacher is going to move to the practice stage where students will use language by filling information gaps, performing role plays, etc. . So learners are not allowed to make mistakes. Another approach is called “Lexical Approach” it focuses on teaching vocabulary which consists of individual words and different kinds of chunks (short expressions that convey meaning) such as collocations and idioms. Teachers using this approach will focus on teaching vocabulary by using authentic written or spoken texts in the classroom. It often makes use of PPP stages in lessons. Communicative approach is one of the best approaches to use when working with learners learning a second language since its aim is to teach communication through the use of grammar, vocabulary, discourse and skills and letting students to interact in the classroom rather than being passive. For this approach fluency is more important than accuracy. So, teachers should make use of authentic listening materials such as TV commercials, cartoons, comedy shows, movies, songs, documentaries, etc.  Authentic visual materials such as photographs, pictures from magazine etc. and authentic printed materials such as lyrics to songs, restaurant menus, comic books, etc. Those materials will enable students to easily learn a foreign language.

    Even though there are so many other different approaches such as Grammar Translation, Total Physical Response, Content Based Learning, etc. the work of the teacher is to choose the most appropriate approach to teach the students and it all will depend on the students’ age, educational background, needs, etc.

Here I’ve included some links to accurately use some of those approaches:

·       Rhalmi M (2010), World Teacher. Communicative Activities

http://worldteacher-andrea.blogspot.com/2013/07/five-communicative-language-learning.html

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        Video: PPP  Triangle .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wp51XS_acE&spfreload=10