Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary characteristic of Situational Language Teaching?
What is the primary characteristic of Situational Language Teaching?
Which lesson format is most closely associated with the Oral Approach?
Which lesson format is most closely associated with the Oral Approach?
Who were the two prominent figures in British language teaching who contributed to the Oral Approach?
Who were the two prominent figures in British language teaching who contributed to the Oral Approach?
What impact did the Oral Approach have on modern ESL/EFL textbooks?
What impact did the Oral Approach have on modern ESL/EFL textbooks?
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What does the term 'Oral Approach' refer to in language teaching?
What does the term 'Oral Approach' refer to in language teaching?
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What was the primary influence behind the emphasis on vocabulary in foreign language learning during the 1920s and 1930s?
What was the primary influence behind the emphasis on vocabulary in foreign language learning during the 1920s and 1930s?
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What was the outcome of the investigations into foreign language vocabulary in the 1920s and 1930s?
What was the outcome of the investigations into foreign language vocabulary in the 1920s and 1930s?
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Which report influenced the emphasis on reading skills in foreign language study?
Which report influenced the emphasis on reading skills in foreign language study?
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Which of the following was produced to guide vocabulary selection in English language teaching?
Which of the following was produced to guide vocabulary selection in English language teaching?
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What was Palmer's approach to teaching grammar in foreign language courses?
What was Palmer's approach to teaching grammar in foreign language courses?
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Study Notes
Oral Approach and Situational Language Teaching
- The Oral Approach and Situational Language Teaching are methods of language teaching developed in the 1920s-1930s and 1950s-1960s, respectively.
- These methods are not commonly used today, but their impact on English as a Second/Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) teaching remains significant.
- The Oral Approach influenced various ESL/EFL textbooks, particularly those from the UK, and shaped the design of popular courses.
- Situational Language Teaching was a type of Oral Approach, popular until the 1980s, and its principles are still apparent in some textbooks.
- Streamline English (1978), Access to English (1975), Kernel Lessons Plus (1973), and New Concept English (1967) are some popular courses that reflect the principles of the Oral Approach.
- The PPP lesson format (Presentation-Practice-Production) is considered a major legacy of the Oral Approach.
- Thousands of teachers across the globe have been trained in this lesson format, and it continues to be featured in language textbooks.
Harold Palmer and A.S. Hornby
- Harold Palmer (1877-1949) and A.S. Hornby (1898-1978) were prominent figures in British language teaching during the 20th century.
- They aimed to establish a more scientific foundation for the Oral Approach than the Direct Method.
- They focused on systematic study of principles and procedures for selecting and organizing language course content.
Vocabulary Selection
- Vocabulary selection was a key focus in the Oral Approach and the 1920s and 1930s saw extensive investigations of foreign language vocabulary.
- Palmer believed vocabulary was crucial for foreign language learning.
- The growing emphasis on reading skills as the goal of foreign language study contributed to research on vocabulary.
- This led to the development of vocabulary selection principles.
- Frequency counts established that a core of 2,000 words appeared frequently in written texts and that understanding these words would enhance reading comprehension.
- Palmer, West, and other specialists created "The Interim Report on Vocabulary Selection" (1936), focused on frequency and other criteria.
- This report was revised and published as "A General Service List of English Words" (1953) becoming a standard reference for developing teaching materials.
Grammar Control
- Alongside vocabulary selection, there was a focus on grammatical content in language courses.
- Palmer recognized grammar's complexity for foreign learners.
- He aimed to develop classroom procedures that would teach basic grammatical patterns through oral practice.
- Palmer's approach differed from the abstract model of grammar in the Grammar-Translation Method.
- He believed in teaching grammar with an oral emphasis, focusing on patterns and structures rather than rigid rules.
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Description
Explore the historical development and significance of the Oral Approach and Situational Language Teaching in language education. Discover how these methods have shaped ESL/EFL courses and influenced teaching practices worldwide. Learn about key textbooks and the lasting legacy of the PPP lesson format.
