Introduction

Question 1

Approach

Answer 1

is viewed as an overall theory about learning language, which then lends itself to “approaching” language teaching and learning in certain manner.

Question 2

Method

Answer 2

is often viewed as a series of procedures or activities use to teach language in a certain way.

Question 3

Technique

Answer 3

is usually seen as one activity or procedure used within a plan for teaching.

Question 4

Which Approach Is Best?

Answer 4

There is no one best approach because the circumstances and needs of ESL students vary so greatly. To choose approaches that are the most appropriate for your students, you must take into account many variables, like: Students’ Needs, Context of English Use, Age, Work Needs, Time Available, Previous and Language Learning Experience..

Question 5

Why Do We Need to Know about Various Methods and Approaches?

Answer 5

Although there may be no single best approach, there are best approaches for particular circumstances, as we mentioned earlier.** In addition, to be a professional and an effective ESL teacher, one must be aware of the different theories and approaches that have developed.** Most effective teachers choose from a number of approaches, methods, and techniques to create a learning environment that fits the needs of their students. They put these approaches together to create a varied syllabus and an optimum learning experience.

Question 6

Aren’t Some Approaches Outdated?

Answer 6

Although it is true that some approaches become outdated as ESL practitioners find that they do not do a very good job of meeting either teachers’ or students’ needs, most have some strong points about them that tend to be borrowed to use with other approaches and thus have become a part of contemporary teaching approaches.
In addition, there is a tendency in education for the popularity of approaches to swing back and forth. Thus, an approach that may be popular one decade may find itself out a favor in the next. This makes it all the more important that teachers be aware of the many approaches, with their strengths and weaknesses, so that they can use this knowledge to create an effective curriculum.