Unit 5 - What Can I Learn From Others?

In unit 5, we looked at a number of different methods and approaches that exist and that are used for second language acquisition. Through the reads of chapter 2 and 3, Brown and Lee, we explore the evolution of such methods and the disintegration of some of them as well.
In chapter 2, Edward Anthony (1963) describes the difference between method, approach, and technique.
He describes method "as an overall plan for systematic presentation if a language course based on a selected approach.".An Approach is described as "a set of assumptions dealing with the nature of language, learning, and teaching." Techniques are"the specific activities manifested in a curriculum that were consistent with a method and in harmony wiht an approach as well."
Some of these methods are the Classical Method which is teacher-centered, Grammar Translation Method which focuses on grammatical rules, Direct Method which promotes "lots of oral interaction, spontaneous use of language, no translation between first and second language and no analysis of grammatical rules."Another method is the Audiolingual Method where a great deal of "oral activities happened like pronunciation skills, pattern practice, and exercises in conversations." Other methods are Community Language Learning, Suggestopedia, Silent Way and Total Physical Respond to add to this list.
Brown and Lee also listed a number of approaches in chapter 3. Some of these approaches are Informed Eclectic Approach, General Approaches like Teacher-Centered and Learner-Centered Instructions, Task-Based Language Teaching like target tasks and pedagogical tasks, Experiential and Project Based Learning just to mention some.


Our activities for this unit was to develop an online quiz for our classmates to take based on the approaches and methods mentioned above. Also, we were given the opportunity to draw what our ideal classroom would look like. Take a look at these two activities here or under Classroom Activities on the home page.

Methodology Quiz