Useful link for an Bird's eye view of some methods

Dear all,

I found this link which might come in handy for understanding the various methods in comparison to each other. Check it out.

http://www.auburn.edu/~nunnath/engl6240/principl.html

Do post comments if any.

Task 3: Describing a task using the R&R model

Instruction: Go through the task given below and describe it using Richards and Rodgers' framework. Discuss your responses in class.

Designing an alternative world

1. Students and teachers brainstorm aspects of their environment they like and those they would most like to see improved. These may include changes to the geographical setting, nature, animal-life, housing, society, family, leisure activities, politics, etc.

2. Students are put into groups according to common interests. The groups identify the language and information they need. The students carry out individual and group research on selected topics. The students discuss aspects of this 'alternative reality' and the report back. They decide on the different ways (stories, recordings, games, etc) to link all the research and present the final product.

3. Students present the topic and evaluate the activity.

(Ribe and Vidal 1993:2)

Taken from Nunan (2004). Task Based Language Teaching Cambridge:CUP

Task 2: Here are some clarifications for your help.

The overall aim of Richards and Rodgers' figure is "to propose a framework for describing / comparing language teaching practices of that time". It revolves around the terms methods / approach / design / procedure. Anthony Edwards, first, proposed such a framework in 1963. This was the "approach / method / technique" classification.

Now, during Richards and Rodgers' time (1980s), generally the term "methodology" was used to describe "how languages are taught” in the classroom but Richards and Rodgers chose to re-define the term “method”. They chose to use it as an umbrella term for describing any “language teaching practice” of their time. So, they would describe any selected “method” (TPR, Community Language Learning, etc) using the terms “approach”, “design” and “procedure”.

Example:

If Anthony Edwards would describe the Grammar Translation, he would describe it as under – The approach behind the GT is the structural approach. Any language is a combination of structures and rules regarding how these structures are arranged accurately. The best way to learn these structures is using the learners’ knowledge of the mother tongue and repetition of structures.

As a result of this approach, the GT began to be used as a method. Based on GT, techniques like teacher dictating translations of passages in the target language, students translating passage, drilling, etc were used in the early foreign language classrooms.

If Richards and Rodgers were to describe Grammar Translation. First of all, they would call it the “Grammar Translation Method”. Then, they would describe this method using the three term classification of –

“Approach” - Any language is a combination of structures and rules regarding how these structures are arranged accurately. The best way to learn these structures is using the learners’ knowledge of the mother tongue and repetition of structures.

“Design” – Here, they would describe the syllabus models used in GTM, the learner roles, the teacher roles and materials used in class.

“Procedure” – Here, they would describe the techniques used by the teacher, the types of exercises used in class, and other resources required in the classroom.

PS. Please post any difficulties or questions that you have here in the comments sections.

TASK 2: Reworked final write up

Please post your reworked assignment here. Remember to write the names of your group members.

Task 2: Method: Approach, Design and Procedure

Dear all,

Thank you to all of you who have completed Task-1. You can use such opportunities to improve your language. So, instead of copying down what Anthony Edwards has written directly, you can try and put it in your own words. If you need my help, I will be happy to assist you by giving you relevant feedback.

Alright, now for Task 2 for this topic. Click here. You will find a word document with a figure describing 'Method' in a different manner. Go through it carefully.

Then, search the internet and answer the following questions -

1. Who first formulated this figure?
2. What does it describe?
3. How is it different from what scholars have said earlier in ELT theory?

Once, you find the answers, post them as a comment here. Don't forget to write the names of your group members.

Let's see who finds it first!!

Batch of 2014-15: Task 1: Approach, Method and Technique

Dear all,

For the first task,

1. Read the article Approach, Method and Technique by Anthony Edwards (published in the ELT Journal in 1963). This is a seminal article on this topic and will help you in your preparation of notes and presentations for exams. Each group has a hard copy. You can find it on the following link also.

2. Note down the main points, especially the definitions of the terms "approach", "method" and "technique".

3. Post them as a comment here. Don't forget to add the names of the your group members.

Your comments should be posted here by tomorrow evening.

Thank you very much for your co-operation.

Welcome Semester - II, batch of 2014-15 !!!

Dear all,

As promised here is the link to useful articles and books for your course this semester. Please make maximum use of the resources I upload here.

Approaches and Methods reference

Go through all the articles and use them for your preparation. Please contact me if you have any problem. Also, please add comments on this blog as to how you are using these articles. Also, let me know if you need any more help.

Let's make this an enriching experience!