ESL

TEACHING APPROACHES

esl teaching theories

English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching is guided by various theories that inform how educators can effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Here are some of the major ESL teaching theories:

BEHAVIOURIST THEORY

by B.F. Skinner
Behaviourists suggested that operant conditioning is the method by which learning takes place and that environmental cues and consequences mould behaviour. It emphasises on stimulus, response and reinforcement.
Methods such as drilling stem from this theory.

For example, students repeatedly practice phrases until they can say them correctly and automatically.

INNATISM

by Noam Chomsky
Humans are born with an innate ability to learn language. It highlights the concept of Universal Grammar (UG), in which the idea that all languages share common grammar structures, which learners unconsciously understand.
Language Acquisition Device (LAD) is a hypothetical tool in the brain that helps children learn language quickly and understand it naturally.

COGNITIVISM

by Jean Piaget
A study focuses on mental processes involving understanding, memory, and problem-solving.

It is about how learners process, store, and retrieve information.

For example, students are instructed to write a summary based on text given.

PIAGET STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT

SOCIOCULTURAL THEORY

by Lev Vygotsky
It focuses on socialising and interaction as mind needs to interact in order to learn. Interaction is key in learning as learning is social in nature and does not occur in the mind of the individual.

Two main parts in this theory:
1. Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)
- gap between what a learner can achieve independently and what they can achieve with guidance or support from others such as teacher.
2. Scaffolding
- proses where assistance is given by experts

For example, students might work in pairs to complete a task like planning a trip, with the teacher offering support as needed.

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CONSTRUCTIVISM

Learner construct their own understanding and knowledge through active learning, experience and reflecting.

Constructivist focus on student questions and interests, build on what students already know, focus on interactive learning and is student-centred.

For example, involve students collaborating on a story or conducting a mock interview.

TEACHING APPROACHES

Studying teaching approaches is key factor to ensure students are interested in learning English as we get to learn which approach suits students more.

Hence, I would like to share some of the teaching approaches with you all.

MAKE TEACHING MORE TARGETED AND IMPACTFUL
- offer strategies customised to different learning needs, language proficiency and learning styles

MAKE LEARNING MORE ACCESSIBLE AND ENGAGING
- interactive lessons that build up student's confidence and practice real-world communication

communicative language teaching method

This is one of the most popular method that focuses on the practical use of language, with the goal of developing communication skills.

This approach can be conducted through authentic communication activities such as
- role play
- discussion

COMMUNICATIVE LANGUAGE
TEACHING METHOD

task-based language teaching

According to British Council, in a task-based lesson the teacher doesn't pre-determine what language will be studied, the lesson is based around the completion of a central task and the language studied is determined by what happens as the students complete it.

This approach is relevant to real-life language and promotes problem-solving

Why TBLT and How

direct method

This is the approach that focuses on using only target language in classroom. The main idea of this approach is that students learn English in the same way when they learn their L1.

It actively develop student's listening and speaking skills as the lessons are conducted fully in English language.

total physical response

This approach uses physical movement to help students reinforce the language learning. Some examples include miming, gesturing, or acting out the language.

It can be used in teaching vocabulary, instruction and many more.

TPR