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English Language Teaching: Approaches, Methods, and Techniques

Written by: Mike Turner

June 15, 2021

Time to read 5 min

When we are looking at the effectiveness of our teaching, we often get tied up in the minutiae of classroom practice. However, sometimes it’s useful to take a bit of a step back and examine what we are doing more broadly.  

In order to look at our different options as teachers, it is handy to use a consistent framework. I am indebted to several writers on TEFL methodology, but I have chosen specifically to apply the useful distinctions between  approach ,  method , and  technique made by Richards and Rogers in their 1986 work  Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching (London: CUP). Although the book is now 25 years old, it still provides one of the neatest and most accessible descriptions of some of the most influential approaches. The terminological distinctions they draw are particularly useful and are summarised below. I have then applied them, as succinctly as I can, to a variety of current and historical approaches. The list is not intended to be exhaustive, but I hope it will allow teachers to contextualise their own practice.

Approach, Method & Technique

An approach describes the theory or philosophy underlying how a language should be taught; a method or methodology describes, in general terms, a way of implementing the approach (syllabus, progression, kinds of materials); techniques describe specific practical classroom tasks and activities. For example:

Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) is an approach with a theoretical underpinning that a language is for communication.

A CLT methodology may be based on a notional-functional syllabus, or a structural one, but the learner will be placed at the centre, with the main aim being developing their Communicative Competence. Classroom activities will be chosen that will engage learners in communicating with each other.

CLT techniques might include role-plays, discussions, text ordering, speaking games, and problem-solving activities.

Some Different Approaches, Methods & Techniques

The audiolingual approach.

The Audiolingual Approach is based on a structuralist view of language and draws on the psychology of behaviourism as the basis of its learning theory, employing stimulus and response.

Audio-lingual teaching uses a fairly mechanistic method that exposes learners to increasingly complex language grammatical structures by getting them to listen to the language and respond. It often involves memorising dialogues and there is no explicit teaching of grammar.

Techniques include listening and repeating, and oral drilling to achieve a high level of accuracy of language forms and patterns. At a later stage, teachers may use communicative activities.

CLIL - Content and Language Integrated Learning

CLIL is an approach that combines the learning of a specific subject matter with learning the target language. It becomes necessary for learners to engage with the language in order to fulfil the learning objectives. On a philosophical level, its proponents argue that it fosters intercultural understanding, meaningful language use, and the development of transferrable skills for use in the real world.

The method employs immersion in the target language, with the content and activities dictated by the subject being taught. Activities tend to integrate all four skills, with a mixture of task types that appeal to different learning styles.

Techniques involve reading subject-specific texts, listening to subject-based audio or audio-visual resources, discussions, and subject-related tasks.

CLT - Communicative Language Teaching   (The Communicative Approach)

CLT emphasises that the main purpose of language is communication, and that meaning is paramount. The goal of the Communicative Approach is to develop learners’ communicative competence across all four skills. It has been the dominant approach in mainstream language education for many decades.

Most methodologies use an amalgamation of a structural and a functional syllabus, with a relatively common consensus emerging concerning the order in which language elements should be taught. Language is generally contextualised, and communication is encouraged from the start. Native speaker input is seen as highly desirable, though not essential. Much teaching is learner-centred.

Techniques are an eclectic mix - with techniques often borrowed from a range of other approaches. Because of this, it is often criticised for a lack of robust theoretical underpinning. Specific activities and games are chosen for their perceived effectiveness in relation to the knowledge or skills being taught. Typical activities include physical games such as board races and running dictations, information exchange activities, role-plays – and any tasks and games that involve communication between learners.

DOGME is a humanistic communicative approach that focuses on conversational interactions where learners and the teacher work together on the development of knowledge and skills.

In terms of method, it generally eschews the use of textbooks and published materials in favour of real communication and the development of discourse-level skills. Language may be scaffolded by the teacher, with attention paid to emergent forms. Topics are chosen based on their relevance to the learners.

Techniques include conversational activities and exposure to the language through real-life texts, audio, and video materials.

Grammar Translation 

An approach to language study is generally used to prepare students for reading classical texts, notably Latin, in their original. It is thought that students benefit from learning about the ideas of classical thinkers, and from the rigour of rote learning and the application of grammatical rules.

The method commonly involves students learning grammar rules plus vocabulary lists based on the content of chosen texts. These are then applied to the written translation of texts from and into the target language. The teaching is usually done in the student’s native language. There is little emphasis on speaking, other than to recite sections of text.

Techniques include rote learning and drilling, translation activities, and recitation.

This approach is not really used in teaching Modern Foreign Languages but is still sometimes the basis for the teaching of classical languages such as Latin or Greek.

The Lexical Approach

An approach based on the notion that language comprises lexical units (chunks, collocations, and fixed phrases). Grammar is secondary and is acquired through learning these chunks.

The method focuses on learning sets of phrase-level, multi-word vocabulary and linguistic frames that can be manipulated by the learner using substitutions and adaptations. This can be done through adapting many standard EFL activities.

Techniques could include searching texts for lexical units, collocation matching games, lexical drills and chants, story-telling, role plays using fixed and semi-fixed expressions, activities with de-lexical verbs and examining concordances.

The Natural Approach

An approach to language learning that seeks to mirror how we learn our first language.

Methods focus on the possibility of ‘acquiring’ a second language rather than having to learn it artificially. Teaching is by a native-speaker teacher; the syllabus mirrors the order in which we acquire our first language; there is an initial ‘silent phase’ when the learner assimilates aspects of the language, before moving on to producing it. Errors are seen as important attempts to form and use appropriate rules.

Techniques focus on meaningful interactions and may include listening and following instructions; ordering activities; memory games; miming activities; and describing and guessing games.

The Silent Way

The Silent way sees the process of learning a second language as a cognitive task, with learners as intelligent autonomous individuals, who can infer language use from well-structured input.

The methodology employs a graded structural syllabus, with the elements of language presented in a deliberately artificial way, using teaching aids such as charts and Cuisenaire rods.

Techniques involve, for example, mapping individual sounds and sequences onto the colours or physical characteristics of the teaching aids, and then having students infer rules based on recognising the systematic similarities and differences in the input material.

Situational Language Teaching (SLT)

This approach views language as a purposeful means of achieving goals in real-life situations.

The method employs oral practice of sentence patterns and structures related to these specific situations. It often uses props and realia in practice activities.

Techniques include drills, repetition and substitution activities, spoken dialogues, and situational role-plays. Oral practice aims towards accuracy and mastery of the situational language, moving at a later stage to the other three skills.

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What are Instructional Methods of Teaching? [2024] ✅

• April 20, 2024
• Instructional Strategies

Have you ever wondered what instructional methods of teaching are and how they can enhance the learning experience for students? Well, you’re in luck! In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various instructional methods of teaching, providing you with valuable insights and strategies to implement in your classroom. Get ready to revolutionize your teaching methods and engage your students like never before!

Quick Answer

Instructional methods of teaching refer to the strategies and techniques that educators use to deliver information and facilitate learning in the classroom. These methods can be teacher-centered or student-centered, high-tech or low-tech, and they aim to create an effective and engaging learning environment for students.

Quick Tips and Facts:

• Instructional methods of teaching are essential for creating an engaging and effective learning environment.
• These methods can be teacher-centered or student-centered, high-tech or low-tech.
• Different instructional methods cater to different learning styles and preferences.
• It’s important to choose instructional methods that align with your teaching goals and the needs of your students.

Background: The Evolution of Instructional Methods

Teaching methods have evolved over time, adapting to the changing needs and preferences of students. In the past, traditional teacher-centered approaches dominated the classroom, with lectures and scripted lesson plans being the primary means of instruction. However, as educational research and technology advanced, new instructional methods emerged, focusing on student-centered learning and incorporating high-tech tools and resources.

Teacher-Centered Approaches

• Direct Instruction (Low Tech) ✅

Direct Instruction is a teacher-centered approach that involves conveying knowledge through lectures and scripted lesson plans. This method provides a structured and systematic approach to teaching, ensuring that students receive clear and concise information. While it may be considered low-tech, Direct Instruction remains an effective method for delivering content and introducing new concepts.

• Flipped Classrooms (High Tech) ✅

Flipped Classrooms have gained popularity in recent years, especially with the advancement of technology. In this approach, students learn new content at home through pre-recorded videos or online resources. Classroom time is then dedicated to activities, discussions, and assignments that reinforce and apply the learned material. Flipped classrooms promote active learning and allow for more personalized instruction.

• Kinesthetic Learning (Low Tech) ✅

Kinesthetic Learning is a hands-on approach that encourages physical activities to enhance learning. This method recognizes that some students learn best through movement and tactile experiences. Teachers incorporate activities such as role-playing, simulations, and manipulatives to engage students and make learning more interactive.

Student-Centered Approaches

• Differentiated Instruction (Low Tech) ✅

Differentiated Instruction is a student-centered approach that tailors instruction to meet individual student needs. It recognizes that students have different learning styles, abilities, and interests. Teachers use various strategies, such as flexible grouping, tiered assignments, and individualized learning plans, to accommodate the diverse needs of their students.

• Inquiry-Based Learning (High Tech) ✅

Inquiry-Based Learning is a student-centered approach that promotes active learning and critical thinking. Students take an active role in their learning by posing questions, conducting investigations, and exploring real-world problems. Technology plays a significant role in inquiry-based learning, providing students with access to vast resources and tools for research and analysis.

• Expeditionary Learning (Low Tech) ✅

Expeditionary Learning takes students outside the traditional classroom setting and immerses them in real-world learning experiences. This approach emphasizes hands-on activities, field trips, and community engagement. By connecting learning to the real world, expeditionary learning fosters a deeper understanding of concepts and promotes student engagement.

• Personalized Learning (High Tech) ✅

Personalized Learning is an approach that allows students to take control of their learning by creating self-directed learning plans based on their interests and goals. Technology plays a crucial role in personalized learning, providing students with access to online resources, adaptive learning platforms, and personalized feedback. This method promotes student autonomy and fosters a love for lifelong learning.

• Game-Based Learning (High Tech) ✅

Game-Based Learning leverages the power of gamification to engage students in problem-solving quests and challenges. By incorporating game elements, such as rewards, levels, and competition, teachers can create an immersive and interactive learning experience. Game-based learning promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and perseverance.

Blended Learning and UDL

• Blended Learning ✅

Blended Learning combines online and traditional classroom instruction to create a hybrid learning experience. This approach allows for flexibility and personalization, as students can access online resources, collaborate with peers, and receive individualized instruction. Blended learning maximizes the benefits of both face-to-face and online learning, catering to different learning styles and preferences.

• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) ✅

Universal Design for Learning is an instructional framework that aims to meet the diverse learning needs of all students. UDL provides multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement, allowing students to access and demonstrate their learning in various ways. This approach promotes inclusivity and ensures that all students have equal opportunities to succeed.

Teaching Methods: A to Z

In addition to the methods mentioned above, there are numerous other instructional strategies, prompts, and tools that educators can utilize in the classroom. From cooperative learning and project-based learning to technology integration and formative assessment, the possibilities are endless. The key is to choose methods that align with your teaching goals, the needs of your students, and the subject matter you are teaching.

For the Love of Teaching

Teaching is a dynamic and ever-evolving profession, and instructional methods play a crucial role in creating a positive and effective learning environment. As an educator, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest research, trends, and best practices in instructional methods. By continuously exploring and implementing new strategies, you can enhance your teaching and make a lasting impact on your students’ lives.

What are the 4 instructional methods?

The four instructional methods are teacher-centered approaches, student-centered approaches, blended learning, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). These methods encompass a wide range of strategies and techniques that educators can use to facilitate learning in the classroom.

Read more about “What Are the Four Teaching Strategies? …”

What is an instructional method in teaching?

An instructional method in teaching refers to the strategies and techniques that educators use to deliver information and facilitate learning in the classroom. These methods can be teacher-centered or student-centered, high-tech or low-tech, and they aim to create an effective and engaging learning environment for students.

Read more about “12 Examples of Pedagogical Practices to Revolutionize Your Teaching! … ✨”

What are the 5 methods of teaching?

The five methods of teaching are Direct Instruction, Flipped Classrooms, Kinesthetic Learning, Differentiated Instruction, and Inquiry-Based Learning. These methods cater to different learning styles and preferences, allowing educators to create a diverse and engaging learning experience for their students.

Read more about “What are the 5 methods of teaching?”

What are the five instructional strategies?

The five instructional strategies are Differentiated Instruction, Inquiry-Based Learning, Expeditionary Learning, Personalized Learning, and Game-Based Learning. These strategies focus on student-centered learning, promoting active engagement, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Read more about “What are the 5 Approaches to Pedagogy? … 👩‍🏫”

Instructional methods of teaching are essential for creating an engaging and effective learning environment. By incorporating a variety of teacher-centered and student-centered approaches, educators can cater to the diverse needs and preferences of their students. Whether you choose low-tech or high-tech methods, the key is to align your instructional methods with your teaching goals and the needs of your students. So, go ahead and explore the vast array of instructional methods available, and revolutionize your teaching today!

Recommended Links

• Instructional Coaching
• Lesson Planning
• Classroom Management
• Differentiated Instruction
• 12 Examples of Pedagogical Practices to Revolutionize Your Teaching! 2024 ✨

Reference Links

• The Complete List of Teaching Methods
• Official Website of Teacher Strategies™
• Amazon Search Results for Instructional Methods
• Walmart Search Results for Instructional Methods
• Etsy Search Results for Instructional Methods

Marti is a seasoned educator and strategist with a passion for fostering inclusive learning environments and empowering students through tailored educational experiences. With her roots as a university tutor—a position she landed during her undergraduate years—Marti has always been driven by the joy of facilitating others' learning journeys.

Holding a Bachelor's degree in Communication alongside a degree in Social Work, she has mastered the art of empathetic communication, enabling her to connect with students on a profound level. Marti’s unique educational background allows her to incorporate holistic approaches into her teaching, addressing not just the academic, but also the emotional and social needs of her students.

Throughout her career, Marti has developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies that cater to diverse learning styles, believing firmly that education should be accessible and engaging for all. Her work on the Teacher Strategies site encapsulates her extensive experience and dedication to education, offering readers insights into effective teaching methods, classroom management techniques, and strategies for fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments.

As an advocate for lifelong learning, Marti continuously seeks to expand her knowledge and skills, ensuring her teaching methods are both evidence-based and cutting edge. Whether through her blog articles on Teacher Strategies or her direct engagement with students, Marti remains committed to enhancing educational outcomes and inspiring the next generation of learners and educators alike.

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Burks earns UMMAA Teaching Award

University of Minnesota Morris professor of economics Steve Burks has earned the 2024 University of Minnesota Morris Alumni Association Teaching Award. This award honors individual faculty members for outstanding contributions to undergraduate education by calling attention to educational philosophies, objectives, and methods.

Burks was nominated for this award because he, in the nominating committee’s words, “exemplifies the best of liberal arts college teaching.”  

In their nomination, students and colleagues point to the significant impact Burks has had on the lives of numerous students he has taught and mentored/advised in undergraduate research. According to his former students, Burks’s teaching and mentoring clearly allows students to cultivate skills in critical thinking, data analysis, coding, and problem-solving, equipping them to take on challenges beyond the classroom. In particular, former students who have had the opportunity to work with Burks on multiple research questions related to the Truckers and Turnover Project, which he organized in collaboration with statistician Jon Anderson and economist Bibhu Panda, sang praises of him and mentioned that the invaluable lessons and skills they learned continue to resonate in their professional endeavors. 

Over Burks’ career the Project gave intensive training to more than 70 students in research techniques related to the empirical analysis of data. Forty-two have been co-authors of refereed scientific journal publications, and 10 more are expected to join the co-authorship list in the next two years. One paper was judged the best of the year 2013 in the journal Experimental Economics, and the project team won the University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies annual Robert C. Johns Research Partnership Award in 2019 for work with a large trucking company on sleep apnea in truck drivers. 

In terms of leadership, nominators state that Burks has been “central to the development of the Economics and Business Management curriculum,” and he has been recognized at the national level for his expertise in economics and the trucking industry through his service on the research committee of the National Academies on truck drivers’ compensation. 

Burks found his academic passion in economics and believes that integrating a systematic approach to student participation in research has been central to him sharing that passion with UMN Morris students.  He admits that he brings a unique mix of life and educational experiences to his role as teacher, having first earned degrees in philosophy, then shifting to economics following a decade-long career as a tractor-trailer driver. 

Burks received his award at the Annual Faculty and Staff Recognition Dinner on Tuesday, April 23. 

About Burks 

Burks joined the UMN Morris faculty in 1999. In 2005, he co-founded the Truckers & Turnover Project, a multi-year study in the field of behavioral personnel economics conducted by a team of Morris faculty and students as well as faculty from other institutions, in cooperation with trucking industry partners. Burks has studied the trucking labor market since driving big rigs for several years between stints in graduate school. It was due to his experience as a truck driver in the early 1980s, when deregulation of the trucking industry took place, that he decided to become an economist. 

About the UMMAA Teaching Award 

The University of Minnesota Morris Alumni Association established the UMMAA Teaching Award in 1997 to honor individual faculty members for outstanding contributions to undergraduate education. Learn more at alumni.morris.umn.edu

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UGC NET 2024 Paper 1: List of topics you must prepare for

Apr 26, 2024

Teaching Aptitude

Teaching methods encompass various strategies such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations, each suited to different learning objectives and audiences. A good teacher possesses qualities like patience, effective communication skills, and adaptability to engage and inspire learners.

Image Source: Canva

Classroom Management

Effective classroom management techniques are essential for maintaining a productive learning environment. This includes establishing clear expectations, managing behavior, and fostering positive relationships among students.

Evaluation Methods

Assessment methods such as assignments and tests are crucial for measuring students' understanding and progress. Choosing appropriate evaluation techniques aligned with learning objectives ensures fair and accurate assessment.

Learner's Characteristics

Understanding Piaget's stages of cognitive development helps educators tailor instruction to meet students' cognitive abilities. Recognizing diverse learning styles, including auditory, visual, and kinesthetic, allows for differentiated instruction to cater to individual needs.

Individual Differences

Every learner is unique, with varying abilities, backgrounds, and motivations. Acknowledging and addressing these differences is vital for creating inclusive learning environments and fostering student success.

Factors Affecting Teaching

Effective curriculum design is fundamental to facilitating meaningful learning experiences. Integrating teaching aids and technology enhances engagement and understanding, while the learning environment and external influences like parental involvement play significant roles in shaping learning outcomes.

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Infrastructure & learning environment.

The physical and social environment in which learning occurs significantly impacts student engagement and achievement. Providing adequate infrastructure and cultivating a supportive learning atmosphere are essential for maximizing learning potential

Teaching Methods

Utilising e-learning platforms like SWAYAM and MOOCs expands access to educational resources and promotes self-directed learning. Group discussions and collaborative learning activities foster critical thinking, communication skills, and peer interaction.

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

Encouraging problem-solving methods and critical thinking skills development empowers learners to analyze situations, explore alternatives, and make informed decisions. Balancing learner-centered and teacher-centered approaches fosters active engagement and deep understanding.

Research Aptitude

Differentiating between quantitative and qualitative research methodologies informs effective research design and data collection techniques. Upholding research ethics and avoiding plagiarism ensures the integrity and credibility of scholarly inquiry.

Thanks For Reading!

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