Part 3 Background
to language learning
Unit 15 Approaches
to language teaching
In this unit I learn some important approaches.
As teachers is crucial to know about some aspects that are involved in the
language teaching. Sometimes approaches also refer to the ways or methods of
teaching that we use in the classroom and that are based on these views. Supporters
of communicative approaches,
for example, believe that language is a tool to communicate meaning, and that,
generally speaking, we learn language best by using it in communicative activities that focus on fluency.
Firstly, I am going to present a summary with
the most import information about these approaches. Presentation, Practice and Production (PPP) where language
is learnt by first seeing new language in a context which shows its meaning, practicing
it in controlled and guided conditions, then using it in freer conditions which
give the learner less language support. Then, Lexical Approach where language is learnt by learning chunks
as whole and complete units. Chunks need to be noticed by learners in order to
be learnt, i.e. learners need to become aware of chunks and focus on them. Later,
Functional Approach functions
are the most important aspect of language. As for PPP. Secondly, Grammar-Translation where language
is learnt by analyzing and applying grammatical rules. Then, Total Physical Response (TPR). Comprehension comes
before production, Learners often need a silent period (a period of time during
which learners hear language rather than produce it, as babies do) to take in language, so
they should not be forced to speak before they are ready and Language is learnt best
when it is accompanied by doing things physically. Finally, Guided discovery where learners learn language best if they work out patterns and rules
of language themselves rather than being given them by the teacher, and the
last one, Content-based learning
where language is learnt best if presented to learners through interesting
topics which help them increase their knowledge of the world.
Key words: communicative
approaches, communicative activities, Presentation, Practice and Production
(PPP), Lexical Approach, Functional Approach, Grammar-Translation, Total
Physical Response (TPR), Guided discovery, Content-based learning.
Camiss, C.
(2012, July 7) The oral approach and situational language teaching. Retrieved
from
Jesyhd,
H. (2012, May 16) Unit 15: Approaches to
language teaching. Retrieved from.
Great job Gabriela!
ResponderBorrarVery well done reflection, it contents the main approaches teachers can use in their classes. You have explained what they consist on and now I have a better understanding on each of them. Finally, thanks for sharing the links they have useful information!
Good Job Gabriela!
ResponderBorrarThis topic is very important because we as future teachers need to know the principal approaches touse in our classes and you point out the most important.