ESL Approaches and Methods

ESL Approaches and Methods

1. Grammatical Approach

   • teacher-centered emphasis on the rules and structure of target language
     • More emphasis on development of reading
     • rules of grammar are taught holistically
     • Direct: focus on total immersion in L2; involves an open-ended response Audiolingual: grammar striations are carefully delivered and taught; Minimal use of L1
   • This approach does not connect to any method because it is teacher-centered.
   • examples: drill and practice and rote memorization
   • Origins in nineteeth-century classical Greek and Latin instruction

2. The Calla Method

   • Conceptional Framework: scientifically based research, what and how it is learned, provides guidance for instruction
   • select content that aligns with national or state standards for each subject and the TESOL K-12 standards
   • includes listening, speaking, reading, and writing
   • explicit instruction using language strategies
   • students will benefit from being mentally active and analyze/ reflect on their learning activities
   • connects to the Cognitive Approach

3. Sheltered Method of Instruction

   • Connects to the Communicative Approach
   • used to target academic language proficiency and deeper conceptional understanding of the content materials
   • Strategies: hands-on activities, cooperative learning, guarded vocabulary, visuals
   • involves students working collaboratively in heterogenous groups that target individual and group learning goals
   • teacher has conscious control of their language in the classroom
   • use photos, media, computers, drawings, charts, tables, diagrams, and more to illustrate concepts
   • several benefits to this method: examples are target multiple learning styles, provide support, prompts content comprehension, develops listening skills, reduces affective filter, provides visual links to key concepts and vocabulary, etc.

4. Content-Based Method

   • This method was grounded in the communicative approach because it emphasizes communication, authentic use of literacy in context, and cultivation of all literacy domains.
   • incorporates multiple subjects into each lesson
   • language across the curriculum- this found that directing the attention of learners to content language more specifically addressed the language acquisition needs of CLD students in the academic context.
   • benefits: learning facts and skills within meaningful context allows a person to store the material in memory with less time required for practicing and rehearsing the information
   • Planning, Instruction, Assessment
     • examples of visual support and GO to provide in ICB: semantic webs, KWL charts, T-charts, Venn diagrams, categorization or classification charts

5. Cognitive Approach

   • Origins in 1980s and 1990s research on learning functions, memory, and cognition
   • Learner-centered focus on explicit teaching of LS in communicative ways
   • Connects to the CALLA Method
     • developmentally appropriate language instruction; intentional focus on CALP development in L1 and L2 as related to content areas; focus on prior knowledge; explicit instruction in Metacognitive, Cognitive, and Social/ affective

6. Communicative Approach

   • research on language learning through communication, constructivism, and social interaction
   • Student-centered emphasis on communication and meaningful acquisition of knowledge
   • Connects to the Content-Based Method and Sheltered Instruction
     • Contentent Based: emphasizes L2 development; focuses on content and language integration; subject area integrated into thematic units
     • Sheltered Instruction: Grade-level modified curriculum; scaffolded instruction; visuals, cooperative learning, and guarded vocabulary

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