BRETModern methods in Language Teaching

Approaches usedCommunicative ApproachLexical ApproachTask Based ApproachBlended learning Approach

Methods usedPPP (Presentation, Practice, Production)Total Physical ResponseGuided DiscoveryTest Teach Test

Communicative ApproachMeaningful and authentic language use (often information gap)Learners interact with each other (pair and group work, mingles)Emphasis on completing taskTeacher provides feedback

Communicative Approach: exampleTalk to different people and find out:Name, Job, one interestTheres an info gap here. You talked to different people.

Lexical ApproachLanguage isnt divided into grammar and vocabulary. It consists of chunks.More attention to: lexis, listening and reading, L1/L2 comparisonsLess attention to: sentence grammar, talking in L2 for sake of it

Lexical Approach: exampleRead the text:I get up at 7am. I wash my face and then get dressed. After that I have breakfast and read the newspaper.

Find word partnerships in the text.

Task Based ApproachFocuses on students doing a task fluency basedStudents use language for a particular outcomeReal life language, meaning is importantStudents generate languageGet feedback (for accuracy)

Task Based Approach: example(see Cutting Edge Int p12-13)Lead-in: listening or reading which uses possible language students could use in the taskStudents are given task. Teacher supports.Students do taskStudents report back to classLanguage feedback

Blended Learning ApproachTwo facets to learning programme: 1. Face-to-face with teacher2. Computer-based programmeThe two facets support each other

PPPPresentation: language is presented in some way in context (situation, dialogue, reading..) and teacher shows form and meaningPractice: students produce the language through controlled exercisesProduction: freer practice of the language presented.Useful for introducing language at lower levels or for language you think will be new

PPP: example

PPP: example (continued)Andy didnt take any of these things with himWhat do you think of Andy?Elicit ideasHe should have taken a map.Elicit more examplesControlled practice gap fillFreer practice Andy talking with rescue team

Total Physical ResponseStudents are exposed to language before they are expected to produce it.Students learn language through listening and respondingLimited - useful for action verbs

TPR: exampleTeacher asks students to put objects in different places to teach/reinforce Prepositions of Place

Guided DiscoveryStudents are exposed to language through a reading or listening textStudents answer questions about the text which lead them to discover the rules of the languageGood for higher levels

Guided Dicovery: example(see Cutting Edge Int p18)Lead-in: to get students interestedStudents listen to song and fill in gapsStudents answer the questions about the grammarFollow up practice

Test Teach - TestTest: Students are given an exercise/activity in which they could produce the TL structureTeacher monitors and listensTeach: Teacher teaches as necessaryTest: Students are given another exercise/activity

Test Teach Test: example

An Eclectic ApproachMost teachers use a combination of approaches and methodsWhy? To create variety and interest in the learning programme and to tailor the programme for the students.How to decide? Level, students interests, lesson aim, learning styles