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ESL Approaches and Methods

Cognitive approach

product of efforts to examine and analyze the cognitive psychological side of learning, language learning, and instruction to promote language learning.

Techniques: Word Walls, KWL charts, Questioning

Calla Method: Designed to enrich the language that CLD students can use for academic communication, and to further the abilities of CLD students to comprehend the discourse of the various content.

Learning strategies emphasized are:

cognitive, metacognitive, and social/affective strategies.

Grammatical approach

Teacher centered means of providing second language instruction. The underlying philosophy of the approach assumes that learners acquire language most effectively by memorizing language rules in a methodical, sequenced curriculum.

Historical: More emphasis on developing reading, writing, and grammar. Less emphasis on oral language development. Rules of grammar are taught historically.

Direst: Focus on total immersion in L2. No use of L1 in the classroom. Involves open ended responses to materials the teacher brings to the classroom.

Audiolingual: Grammar structures are carefully sequenced and taught. Minimal use of the L1. Emphasizes error correction, drills, and repetitive practice.

Maintains a learner centered focus on explicit teaching of learning strategies in communicative ways.

Calla: Developmentally appropriate language instruction. Intentional focus on CALP development in L1 and L2 as related to content areas. Focus on Prior knowledge.

Strategies: Drill and practice. Rote memorization.

Techniques: Dialogue memorization, repetition, mnemonics, kinetics.

Communicative approach

A more research and theory based approach to second language instruction . It focuses on learning language through and for communication. Assumes that language production contains an infinite number of possible language combinations, so memorizing patterns and rules does little to prepare language learners for authentic language use.

Strategies: Visuals, guarded vocabulary, cooperative learning, hands on activities.

Techniques: Reduced use of idioms, use of manipulatives, realia, use of simulations/big books, and heterogeneous grouping.

Silent way: Teacher modeling,/talk, reinforcement through repetition/signals, and seldom content-based.

Natural Way: Stresses comprehensible input, minimal error correction/production, acceptance of students L1, and not necessarily content based.

Suggestopedia: Emphasis on relaxed physical setting, minimal error correction, use of L1 for explanations, not necessarily content based.

Integrated content based: Emphasizes L2 development, focus on content and language integration, and subject area integrated into thematic units.

Sheltered instruction: Grade level modified curriculum, scaffolded instruction, visuals, cooperative learning, and guarded vocabulary.

Strategies: Cooperative learning, explicit LS instruction, maximizing content and language objectives.