Teaching Methods

Question 1

The audio-lingual method (army method)

Answer 1

Based on behaviorist theory: trained through a system of reinforcement; similar to the direct method (language taught directly without using the students’ native language to explain new words or grammar in the target language); drills the students in the use of grammar (e.g.: inflection, replacement, restatement).

Question 2

Total physical response

Answer 2

Relies on the assumption that, when learning a second or additional language, language is internalized through a process of code breaking similar to first language development, and that the process allows for a long period of listening and developing comprehension prior to production; students respond to commands that require physical movement.

Question 3

Community language learning

Answer 3

Students work together to develop what aspects of a language they would like to learn; the teacher acts as a counselor and a paraphraser, while the learner acts as a collaborator; 3 steps: apprehending the sound system of the language, assigning fundamental meanings to individual lexical units, constructing a basic grammar.

Question 4

Grammar translation method

Answer 4

Subject taught in the students’ mother tongue; study of grammatical rules; translation exercises; no oral practice.