Recent History of TEFL Flashcards
Define “Approach” in TEFL
A theoretical framework that explains how language is learned and used. It serves as the foundation for methods and techniques.
What is the difference between “Method” and “Technique”?
Method: The procedural realization of an approach, including content and teacher roles.
Technique: Specific activities implemented in class to meet objectives.
What are the goals of the “Grammar-Translation Method”?
To develop reading and translation skills through detailed grammar explanations and vocabulary memorization.
Name one key characteristic of the “Direct Method”.
Exclusive use of the target language for teaching and learning.
How does the “Communicative Approach” view the role of the teacher?
The teacher acts as a facilitator, enabling meaningful communication through interactive tasks.
What is “Communicative Competence”?
The ability to effectively and appropriately use language in real-life contexts.
Define “Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC)”.
The ability to communicate effectively while understanding and respecting cultural differences.
What is a key feature of “Total Physical Response (TPR)”?
Combining language learning with physical actions to reinforce comprehension.
What does “The Natural Approach” emphasize in language learning?
Comprehensible input and a gradual, stress-free process of acquisition.
What are the four components of communicative competence (Hymes)?
- Linguistic Competence: Grammar, vocabulary.
- Sociolinguistic Competence: Appropriateness in social contexts.
- Discourse Competence: Connecting ideas coherently.
- Strategic Competence: Problem-solving in communication.
Name the four components of Intercultural Communicative Competence (Byram).
Knowledge.
Attitudes.
Skills (Interpreting/Relating & Discovery/Interaction).
Critical Cultural Awareness.
What is the role of “Global English” in TEFL?
Recognizing the diversity of English varieties (e.g., World Englishes).
Avoiding overemphasis on British or American norms.
How does “English as a Lingua Franca” affect TEFL?
Focus on intercultural communication.
Teaching norms that suit global rather than native standards.
What are the milestones of TEFL in Germany?
1955: Introduction in Gymnasium/Realschule.
1990: First foreign language post-reunification.
2009: English introduced in primary schools in NRW.
What are the current challenges in TEFL?
Learner heterogeneity and inclusion.
Digital teaching resources.
Focus on standardization and output (CEFR).
Define “Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)”.
A method combining language learning with teaching subject content (e.g., science in English).
What is “Critical Cultural Awareness”?
The ability to critically evaluate other cultures and one’s own, fostering mutual understanding.
Define the Audio-lingual (Army method) Method.
Focus on everyday spoken language, inductive learning: no explicit grammar rules
What historical approaches and methods in TEFL do you know?
- Grammar-Translation Method
- Direct Method
- Communicative Approach
- Total Physical Response
- Audio-Lingual Method
- The Natural Approach
