ApproachesandMethodsinForeignLanguageTeaching.docVIP

Approaches and Methods in Foreign Language Teaching Warm-up The picture of methodological ambition and disappointment Eric Hawkins (1987) lists over 40 ‘names of the game’ and here are some of them: The Reform Method The Natural Method The Rational Method The Correct Method The Sensible Method The Imitative Method The Analytical Method The Conversational Method The Anti-classical Method The Anti-grammatical Method The Anti-translational Method The Eclectic Method The Dual Language Method Questions for discussion: What is the “best method” for foreign language teaching? Is there a method that works in every classroom?  1. The Grammar-Translation Method 1.1. Definition The Grammar-Translation Method is a method of foreign or second language teaching which uses translation and grammar study as the main teaching and learning activities. At one time it was called Classical Method since it was first used in the teaching of the classical languages of Latin and Greek. 1.2. Theoretical Basis 1.2.1. Theory of language a. Traditional linguistics The written form of language was superior to the spoken form. b. Comparative Historical Linguistics The classical languages were found to be very much similar to the modern Indo-European languages. All languages originated from one language and were ruled by a common grammar. 1.2.2. Theory of learning Faculty Psychology The theory of learning underlying the G-T Method was Faculty Psychology which believed that the mind of human beings had various faculties which could be trained separately. Understanding and memorization of complicated grammatical rules of languages were regarded as important means of developing mentality. Classical humanism. Viewed from the nature and purpose of education, the G-T Method was an expression of classical humanism. The language was regarded as a body of esteemed knowledge to be learned, with an emphasis on intellectual rigor. 1.3. Main features 1.3.1. Emphasis on the second language g