Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching

Book excerpt: This third edition of Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching is an extensive revision of the popular and accessible text. Like previous editions, this book surveys the major approaches and methods in language teaching such as Grammar Translation, Audiolingualism, Communicative Language Teaching, and the Natural Approach. It examines each approach and method in terms of its theory of language and language learning, goals, syllabus, teaching activities, teacher and learner roles, materials, and classroom techniques. In addition, this third edition includes content on the teaching and learning environment, with chapters on learners and methods, teachers and methods, plus approaches, methods and the curriculum. Teachers and teachers-in-training will discover that this third edition is a comprehensive survey and analysis of teaching methods used around the world. The book seeks not only to clarify the assumptions behind these methods and their similarities and differences, but also to help teachers explore their own beliefs and practices in language teaching.