The Nature of approaches and methods in language teaching

Class: 14 March, 2012

Approach and method:

In 1963, Edward Anthony identified three levels of conceptulization and organization:

Approach: Is a set of correlative assumptions dealing with the nature of the language teaching and learning. It describes the nature of the subject matter to be taught.     

Method: Is an overall plan for the orderly presentation of language material. A method is procedural. 

Technique: It is a particular trick used to accomplish an immediate objective.

Techniques must be consistent with a method, and in harmony with an approach as well.

Theory of language:

There are three different theoretical views of language and the nature of language:

Structural view: Is a system of structurally related elements for the coding of meaning. The elements of this system are: phonological units, grammatical units, grammatical operations and lexical items.

Functional view: Is a vehicle for the expression of functional meaning. This theory emphasizes the semantic and communicative dimension.

Interactional view: Is a way for the realization of interpersonal relations   and for the performance of social transactions between individuals. 

Theory of learning

Process oriented: Habit, induction, influence, hypothesis and generalization.


Condition oriented: Nature of the human and physical context.