Approaches to language teaching.

In class we looked in detail at two popular approaches to teaching language: PPP and TBL.
Can you remember what these stand for?
Which one has the focus on form at the beginning of the lesson and which at the end?
Which one emphasises the use of controlled practice activities to allow learners a chance to use the new form in a safe environment?
PPP often features in the structural approach which sees language as a system of structures used to communicate meaning. It emphasises oral accuracy and drilling playss an important role.

Here is a brief summary of  some other approaches which arise in the TKT exam. For more detailed information check out here.

The Lexical approach sees vocabulary as being the key to language. Remember: without grammar communication is difficult but without vocabulary it is impossible. Authentic texts are an important source of input with this approach, with students noticing chunks of language before producing.

The Functional approach, as the name suggests, sees functions as being the most important part of language. It tends to use the PPP approach to teaching and is focused on communicative needs.

Communicative approaches highlight the importance of interaction, incorporating functions and topics relevant to the students' needs. Tasks are mostly communicative (with some focus on form) and are often based on authentic materials.

Grammar-Translation approach centres on form and asks students to apply grammar rules while translating from L1 to L2 or vice versa. Accuracy is a major focus.

Total Physical Response is based on the idea that learners learn best when doing. Students do what a teacher asks them to do before they themselves give instructions. A silent period is expected (as with L1 acquisition) at lower levels. This approach is mainly used with young learners, beginners and kinesthetic learners.

Guided discovery makes use of inductive techniques to allow students to explore and work out patterns and rules in the language. Many teachers use features of this style as part of an eclectic approach.

Content-based approaches uses relevant topics to present grammar, vocabulary and functions. Real life contexts are used to increase motivation by connecting language to its use outside the classroom.

Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) is an extension of content-based learning and describes the teaching of other subjects through the medium of English e.g. science in high school.