Methods of teaching English language

Each teaching method is based on a certain vision of understanding the language or the learning process, often using special techniques and materials that are used in a given sequence. It is necessary to apply the most suitable method for performing specific tasks of the student.4 main methods of teaching English in the chronological order of their development:

Grammar Translation is a classic technique for learning English;

Direct Method;

Audio-lingualism is one of the first modern methods;

Communicative Language Teaching is a modern standard method.

What is the difference between them? Each of the methods has a different focus and its priorities. Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Classical technique for learning English Grammar Translation

One of the most traditional methods since the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It was originally used to teach "dead languages", such as Latin and Greek. The main characteristic of this method is the study of grammatical rules and their application in translating the text from the native language to the foreign language. The main drawback of this method is that 80 percent of the lesson is taught in the native language, and the use of the foreign language occurs only when translating certain grammatical constructions or sentences (texts) in which they are presented. Direct Method.

This method is also known as "natural", it originated in the early 1900s as an alternative to the traditional Grammar method. The focus is on good pronunciation, spontaneous use of the language, without the use of translation, and little attention is paid to the analysis of grammar. This method is based on the student's direct practice in spoken English, the understanding of a foreign language in common everyday situations. For this method to work, small groups of students will be required, as well as their high motivation, because it is difficult to generate natural situations in an artificial environment, and to ensure understanding and sufficient practice for all participants.

Audio-lingualism. Method - repetition and memorization of standard phrases

This approach has its roots in the United States during the Second World War, when it became necessary to train key employees to quickly and effectively speak a foreign language. At that time, this method was recognized as quite successful, but again provided that it works in small groups and a high level of selfmotivation. This method is aimed at the formation of a mechanical habit, which is formed through the repetition of the basic models. This same focus on repetition and memorization of standard phrases completely ignores the role of context in the process of learning the language.

Communicative Language Teaching Method. Communicative methods of study. The communicative method is based on the idea that successful learning of a foreign language occurs through its study in real situations, which in turn leads to a natural mastery and the ability to use a foreign language. The teacher has two main functions: the first role is to promote the communication process between all participants in the classroom, as well as the use of different types of activities. The second role is to act as the leader of this group, to control the learning process, and also to motivate students.

English speakers often have many opportunities to travel abroad and teach English to students of other countries. You may be surprised, but to learn another language it is much more effective to deal with a teacher who knows only English. This method of teaching, when a teacher makes his students speak only English in a lesson, is called a direct method or a natural method of teaching a foreign language. This method largely focuses on correct pronunciation and develops conversational skills. It is this method that we also use at Native English School. The first skill that you need to master to begin successfully learning English is the ability to use effectively body gestures. Our students believe that it is more effective to learn English, when they are forced to speak only English in the classroom. By refusing to use your native language, the teacher will force you to learn English using body language and gestures to teach you new words. This model of learning accurately mimics the way when young children learn their native language. This method of teaching is one of the most effective in the study of any language. The proof of this is that you are speaking now in your own language.