Methods of Teaching English

By: - Shri. Khodave Dnyaneshwar

M.A. (Eng), M. Ed.,

Shardabai Pawar College of Education For Women, Shardanagar, Baramati,

Dist – Pune, Maharashtra, India

Khodave.raja@gmail.com

Methods and Approaches

Grammar-translation Method

Direct Method Dr. West’s New Method

Structural Approach Communicative Approach

Grammar-translation Method

Word is the unit of teaching Use of mother tongue is important Formal Grammar is taught by Deductive

Method

Grammar translation Method

Merits

Easy for common teacher

No use of A/V aids Time Saving Reading is developed

Demerits No direct bond between

thoughts and expressions

Speaking is neglected TL process dull and dry Students passive Exact translation is not

possible

Direct Method

English is directly taught in the class room No use of mother tongue in the class room by

the teacher Natural method follows the natural way of

learning a language i. e. L S R W Situational Approach

Direct Method

Merits Develops all skills

LSRW Fluency in speech Use of A/V aid TL process interesting Students are active

Demerits Difficult for common

teacher Creative and expert

teachers required Difficult to explain

abstract concepts

Dr. West’s New Method

Principle: - Reading aspect must be such a skill which helps the students to acquire other skills easily

Reading is by far the shortest road to learning to speak and write

Dr. West’s New Method

Merits Develops reading skill

of students Useful for lower grade

teacher to follow in class

Develops comprehension

Interest in reading is increased

Demerits Over emphasis on

reading skill Neglects oral skills TL process become dull

and monotonous

Structural Approach

Learning a language by getting mastery over various structures

Structures can be taught by creating adequate situations

Practice of structure either in written or in oral form is important

Oral way of teaching is important Speech practice is important

Communicative Approach

Communication Competence is important Ability to use the language = Communicative

Competence Fourfold skills of Language learning : Listening,

Speaking, Reading and Writing are developed Students are active TL process is student centered Teacher is facilitator, guide, assistant, motivator Pair Work, Group Work is expected in the class Situational Approach is used