THE SILENT WAY

THE SILENT WAY

1. BACKGROUND

   • The Silent Way was developed in the 1960s by Caleb Gattegno.
     • It is well known for the use of colored sticks called Cuissenaire rods and for his approach to the teaching of initial Reading in which sounds are taught by colors.

2. OBJECTIVES

   • The general goal of the SW is to help beginning-level students gain basic fluency in the target language, with the ultimate aim being near-native language proficiency and good pronunciation.
     • They become independent by relying on themselves.

3. CHARACTERISTICS

   • This method is based on the premise that teacher should be silent as much as posible and the learners should be encouraged to produce language as much as posible.
   • The method emphasizes the autonomy of the learner.
   • Pronunciation is seen as fundamental; beginning students start their study with pronunciation, and much time is spent practicing it each lesson.
   • The choice of vocabulary is important, with functional and versatile wordsseen as the best.
   • Translation and rote repetition are avoided and the language is usually practiced in meaningful contexts.
   • Evaluation is carried out by observation, and the teacher may never set a formal test.

4. PRINCIPLES

   • Teachers should concéntrate on how students learn, not on how to teach.
   • Imitation and drill are not the primary means by which students learn.
   • Learning consists of trial and error, deliberate experimentation, , suspending judgement, and revising conclusions.
   • In learning, learners draw on everything that they already know, especially their native language.
   • The teacher must not interfere with the learning process.

5. PROCESS TEACHING TECHNIQUE

   • Silence is a key tool of the teacher in the Silent Way.
     • A silent way classroom also makes extensive use of peer correction.

6. TEACHING MATERIALS

   • The SW makes use of specialized teaching materials: colored Cuisineaire rods, The sound color chart,Word charts and Fidel charts.

7. ADVANTAGES

   • This method fosters cooperative learning between individuals.
     • It embodies a new approach to education in general, a respect for the individual and an awareness of the individual’s extraordinary cognitive powers.

8. DISADVANTAGES

   • For some teachers the rigidity of the system may be meaningless.
     • Learners hard to understand.

9. TEACHER ROLES

   • The role of the teacher is that of technician or engineer.
   • The teachers’ role is one of the neutral observer, neither elated by correct performancenor discouraged by error.

10. LEARNER ROLES

    • Learners are expected to
    • Develop Independence and responsability.
    • Self-correct through their awareness.
    • Learn to work cooperatively.