The Nature of Approaches and

Methods in Language Teaching

⚫ An approach is a set of correlative assumptions
dealing with the nature of language teaching and
learning. An approach is axiomatic. It describes the
nature of the subject matter to be taught. ..
⚫ Method is an overall plan for the orderly
presentation of language material, no part of which
contradicts, and all of which is based upon, the
selected approach. An approach is axiomatic, a
method is procedural. Within one approach, there
can be many methods . .. ...
⚫ A technique is implementational - that which actually
takes place in a classroom. It is a particular trick,
strategem, or contrivance used to accomplish an
immediate objective. Techniques must be consistent
with a method, and therefore in harmony with an
approach as well. (Anthony 1963:63-7)
⚫Approach refers to theories about the nature of
language and language learning that serve as the
source of practices and principles in language teaching
⚫Design is the level of method analysis in which we
consider (a) what the objectives of a method are; (b)
how language content is selected and organized within
the method, that is, the syllabus model the method
incorporates; (c) the types of learning tasks and
teaching activities the method advocates; (d) the roles
of learners; (e) the roles of teachers; (f) the role of
instructional materials.
⚫ Procedure. This encompasses the actual moment-to-
moment techniques, practices, and behaviors that
operate in teaching a language according to a
particular method. It is the level at which we describe
how a method realizes its approach and design in
classroom behavior. (Richards & Rodgers 1986: 17-
27)
⚫Different theories about the nature of language and
how languages are learned (the approach) imply
different ways of teaching language (the method), and
different methods make use of different kinds of
classroom activity (the technique). (Richards &
Schmidt 2010: 30)
Group 1
⚫Using Figure 2.1 in Richards & Rodgers’ book as a
framework, write an outline of the theories of (a) the
nature of language and (b) the nature of language
learning informing the development of the K-12
English Curriculum.
⚫Explain your work fluently and coherently before the
class.
Group 2
⚫Using Figure 2.1 in Richards & Rodgers’ book as a
framework, discuss how the content of the current
curriculum in English implemented in the Philippine
Basic Education was selected. Also, make a list of the
recommended activities for achieving the general and
specific objectives of the curriculum.
⚫Present your work in a scholarly manner before the
class.
Group 3
⚫Using Figure 2.1 in Richards & Rodgers’ book as a
framework, describe the roles of the (a) learner, (b)
teacher, and instructional materials explicitly and
implicitly articulated in the present English curriculum
guide.
⚫Use an outline, table, or diagram to aid your oral
presentation.