ELT Methods and Post-Methods Pedagogy Notes

ELT Methods & Post-Methods Pedagogy

ELT Methods Review

• Grammar Translation Method:
  • Uses mother tongue for instruction.
  • Focuses on vocabulary memorization and grammar rules.
  • Emphasizes reading and writing with translation exercises.
• Direct Method:
  • No mother tongue or translation allowed.
  • Oral teaching precedes reading and writing.
  • Emphasizes pronunciation and grammar through modeling and physical examples.
• Audio-Lingual Method:
  • Language learning is habit formation.
  • Mistakes are discouraged.
  • Oral presentation before written form.
  • Meaning learned in linguistic and cultural context.
• The Silent Way:
  • Learning through discovery and creation.
  • Uses physical objects for mediation.
  • Problem-solving facilitates learning.
  • Indirect learning through communication discovery.
• Community Language Learning (CLL):
  • Values contributions, lowers defenses, reduces anxiety.
  • Nurturing and supportive community.
  • Students determine content, enhancing engagement.
  • Repetition of utterances for accuracy.
• Total Physical Response (TPR):
  • Coordination of speech and action.
  • Meaning over form.
  • Speaking delayed until comprehension is established.
  • Low-stress environment.
  • Teacher-led commands.
• Communicative Language Teaching (CLT):
  • Emphasis on communication.
  • Meaningful learning.
  • Learner-centered.
  • Real communication promotes learning.
  • Meaningful tasks support learning.
• Task-Based Learning (TBL):
  • Meaning is central.
  • Vocabulary includes phrases and routines.
  • Learners produce and understand communicative messages.
  • Information exchange is crucial.

Post-Methods Pedagogy

• Definition: Construction of classroom procedures and principles by teachers based on their knowledge and experience.
• Kumaravadivelu's View: Post-method is a postcolonial construct that places context, teachers, and curriculum in a relevant place, away from marginalization.
• Effective classrooms use elements from various methods.
• Successful teachers judiciously choose tasks.

Language Teaching Categories

• Language-centered Methods:
  • Focus on linguistic forms.
  • Example: Audio-Lingual Method.
  • Practice pre-selected structures through form-focused exercises.
• Learner-centered Methods:
  • Focus on learners’ needs and situations.
  • Example: Communicative Language Teaching.
  • Practice structures and notions through meaning-focused activities.
• Learning-centered Methods:
  • Focus on cognitive processes.
  • Example: Natural Approach.
  • Open-ended meaningful interaction through problem-solving.

Post-Method Pedagogist Beliefs

• Reflecting on specific needs.
• Staying informed.
• Designing appropriate strategies.
• Monitoring and evaluating.

Obstacles to Implementing Post-Method Pedagogy

• Teacher-related: Lack of autonomy, demanding nature, focus on coverage.
• Student-related: Passive roles, lack of critical thinking.
• Administrative factors: Transmission model dominance, inefficient textbooks.