Eclectic approach

There are varied approaches and methods used for language teaching. In eclectic approach, the teacher can choose from these different methods and approaches:

• Grammar-translation Method: It is a method of teaching languages by which students learn grammatical rules and then apply those rules by translating between the target language and the native language.{{Cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/theteachersetofinstruments/methods-and-approaches-in-elt/grammar-translation-method|title=Grammar-Translation Method - The teacher set of instruments|website=sites.google.com}}
• Direct Method: In this method the teacher refrains from using the students' native language. The target language is directly used for teaching all the four skills—listening, speaking, reading and writing.
• Structural-situational Approach: In this approach, the teacher teaches language through a careful selection, gradation and presentation of vocabulary items and structures through situation based activities.{{cite book|last1=Aslam|first1=Mohammad|title=Teaching of English|date=2003|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=9788175965911|page=61|edition=Second}}
• Audio-lingual/Audio-visual Method: In this style of teaching students are taught through a system of reinforcement. Here new words and grammar are directly taught without using the students' native language. However, unlike direct method, audio-lingual method does not focus on vocabulary. Instead, the teacher focuses on grammar through drill and practice.
• Bilingual Method: The word 'bilingual' means the ability to speak two languages fluently. In bilingual method, the teacher teaches the language by giving mother tongue equivalents of the words or sentences. This method was developed by C.J. Dodson.{{cite book|last1=Dash|first1=Neena|last2=Dash|first2=M|title=Teaching English As An Additional Language|date=2007|publisher=Atlantic|isbn=9788126907793|page=67}}
• Communicative Language Teaching: This approach lays emphasis on oral method of teaching. It aims to develop communicative competence in students.
• Total-Physical Response: It is based on the theory that memory is enhanced through association with physical response.{{Cite web|url=http://www.onestopenglish.com/methodology/teaching-articles/teaching-approaches/teaching-approaches-total-physical-response/146503.article|title=Teaching approaches: total physical response|first=Tim|last=Bowen|website=Onestopenglish}}
• The Silent Way: In this method the teacher uses a combination of silence and gestures to focus students' attention. It was developed by Caleb Gattegno.

• The teacher has more flexibility.
• No aspect of language skill is ignored.
• There is variety in the classroom.
• Classroom atmosphere is dynamic.
• These types of programs not only negotiate teacher skill-development within an improved recognition of and respect for cross-cultural and multi-linguistic classroom settings, but also encourages student pride in their heritage, language, communication preferences and self-identity Crandall, J. (2003). They do speak English: World Englishes in the U.S. schools. Eric Clearing House on Languages and Linguistics, 26(3).
• One method can support the weaknesses of the other.
• Multiple intelligences in the classroom are better developed.
• Assistance to the different Students' learning styles

{{reflist}}

• [http://www.observerbd.com/2015/02/13/72233.php Eclectic approach to teaching language], by Masum Billah

Category:Language education