l2 Methods and reviews

 

L2 learning methods along with the review of them-

Credit- Study French Spanish

There are many methods in learning and teaching a second language like GTM, Direct Method, Nature Approach, Audio- Lingual method, Communitive Language Teaching, and many more. but one of my favorite methods is GTM, let’s review three popular methods GTM, Direct methods, and Audio-lingual Methods.

Credit- Grammar Translations

Grammar Translation Method {GTM}

The grammar translation method became very popular in the late 18^th century. The main focus of this method is teaching the target language through translations from the native language to the foreign language and vice Versa.

Objectives –

1. -          Language is viewed beyond mere memorizing of grammar rules because translation involves understanding grammar, its appropriate application, and the knowledge of syntax, morphology, and vocabulary.
2. -          Reading and writing are major focuses with no emphasis on speaking and listening.
3. -          Emphasis on the lessons is given for translating sentences etc.

Teaching techniques-

1. -          Questions based on the passage
2. -          Antonyms and synonyms
3. -          Grammar exercises with examples
4. -          Using word sentences. etc.

 The popularity of GTM has dropped due to the growing demand for oral learning and independent learning of words and phrases. where’s GTM’s emphasis on the target language, grammar, memorization and etc. as a result GTM has been rejected by many academics.

 

Credit- English Reservoir

Direct method

This approach, also known as the ‘oral’ or “natural’ method, originated around the 1900s as an alternative to traditional grammatical translation methods. Teachers were starting to experiment with teaching and educational models as previous techniques failed to improve spoken communication.

 

English education- world press.com

Objectives of the Direct Method

1. -          Lessons are in the target language
2. -          There is a focus on everyday vocabulary
3. -          Visual aids are used to teach vocabulary
4. -          Particular attention is placed on the accuracy of pronunciation and grammar
5. -          A system approach is developed for comprehension and oral expression.

Teaching Techniques

1. -          Reading aloud selections of a passage of a play, dialogue.
2. -          At the end of each student’s reading the teacher uses gestures, pictures, realia, or any other visual aids to explain the meaning clearly.
3. -          Self–correction is promoted by providing choices of alternative answers.
4. -          Conversation between the teacher and the student and students etc.

   

   English education- world press.com

   
   

Audio lingual methods

With the outbreak of WW2 armies needed to become orally proficient in the language of their allies and enemies as quickly as possible. This teaching technique was initially called the Army methods and was the first to be based on linguistic theory and behavioral psychology.

The Audio-Lingual methods were widely used in the 1950s and 1960s, and the emphasis was not on the understanding of words, but rather on the acquisition of structures and patterns in common everyday dialogue.

Some characteristics of this method are-

1. ·        Drills are used to teach structural patterns.
2. ·         Focus on pronunciation.
3. ·         Audio-visual aids are used.
4. ·         Vocabulary is taught in context.
5. ·         Correct responses are positively reinforced immediately, etc.

When it comes to outcomes of learning l2 GTM is quite boring, GTM only emphasizes Memorialization, reading and writing and grammar exercise, not the use of realia is the biggest flaw for GTM, memorization, writing, and grammar exercise is equivalently important, to oral, and vocabulary practices of Direct Methods. the Direct Method focus on oral, vocabulary, usage of the target language, and usage of realia, a conversation between student and teachers, etc. are the strength of Direct Methods. Audio–lingual method emphasizes listening, speaking, mimicking, and memorization with no use or little use of the mother tongue maximumly use of the target language, and prioritizes the importance of pronunciation is also a strength of Audio-lingual Methods.

Furthermore, the monitor can use all methods in the classroom, memorization and writing of GTM are quite boring for a long duration so the class monitor can use Audio lingual methods like – asking learners to play the roles of characters and ask them to deliver dialogue in the target language and grammar game of Audio-lingual method also very useful to create an interesting classroom. Usage of realia in the classroom is also very useful. The direct method and Audio-Lingual method are gaining popularity because of their effective techniques, focus on the target language, students center class, vocabulary, role play and etc. whereas GTM lost popularity because of the use of fewer effective exercises or boring classes like memorization, grammar, writing, etc.