Methodology

Methodology is concerned with how to teach.

Many methodologies have been and are being used, including the following:

• Grammar Translation - The learning of grammar rules under the assumption that learners will then be able to use the language.
• Direct Method - Total Immersion - a reaction to Grammar Translation.
• Audio-lingual method - repetition drills, and often associated with language labs
• Community Language Learning - The teacher acts as a facilitator, translating as required.
• The Silent Way - The teacher doesn't speak, but merely facilitates circumstances which help students learn.
• Suggestopedia - Teachers play music or use art to lower the "affective filter".
• Total Physical Response - Students respond in some physical way to teachers' instructions.
• The Natural Approach
• Communicative Language Teaching - Emphasises the actual use of language rather than a detailed study of its grammar.
• Dogme - The teacher doesn't prepare classes; merely uses whatever happens to be in the room.
• Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) Claims to develop the relationship between successful patterns of behaviour and communication.

Criticism of methodologies

It is clear that some of the methodologies are counter-intuitive - not to say downright weird. While teachers should obviously view things with an open mind, a certain level of scepticism is sometimes appropriate. It is likely that, over time, experienced teachers select whatever elements of these methodologies work for them and adapt them to their particular teaching style.

It also seems highly probable that something which works well for one teacher (or with one student) will not work for another.

There is also the question of how seriously we should take methodologies; Scott Thornbury has suggested the idea of discrete methodologies may be an oversimplification as they all tend to have good and bad elements, or perhaps good and bad practitioners.

See also

• Translation in class

External links

• British Council "Humanistic language teaching"

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