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.