TESOL and Language Teaching Methods Quiz

English Language Teaching Approaches and Methods

• English is a relatively easy language to learn compared to others, such as Arabic or Chinese, due to its simpler grammatical rules.
• English uses the Latin alphabet, which has 26 letters, and this is straightforward.
• English's simple inflexion (adding letters to change word form, like adding "s" to "cat" to make "cats") is less complex than other languages (French or Russian).
• English readily borrows words from other languages ("alligator" from Spanish, "ketchup" from Chinese), making it flexible and rich.
• English uses a fixed word order (Subject-Verb-Object) that helps make sentences easy to understand.
• Some English sounds ("th" in "this" or "thin") can be difficult for learners since not all languages use them.
• English uses the continuous tense to describe ongoing actions.
• Articles ("a," "an," and "the") can confuse English learners if their first language does not use them.
• Phrasal verbs (combinations of verbs and prepositions or adverbs, like "look up") can be difficult to learn.
• Changes in tone do not alter the meaning of words in English as they do in Chinese.
• English spelling does not always match its pronunciation ("ough" in "thought," "though," and "rough").

Types of English Language Teaching (ELT)

• ELT encompasses all aspects of teaching English.
• TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is focused on teaching English to people who don't live in an English-speaking country.
• EFL (English as a Foreign Language) broadly describes the type of English people learn when not in an English-speaking country.
• TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is similar to ELT. It is commonly used in the USA, Canada, and Australia.
• TEYL (Teaching English to Young Learners) focuses on teaching English to children.
• TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) is for teaching English to people who have moved to an English-speaking country.
• ESL (English as a Second Language) broadly describes the type of English people learn when they live in an English-speaking country
• CLT (Communicative Language Teaching) prioritizes real-life communication for language learning.

Different Language Learning Approaches

• The Grammar-Translation Approach (1800s) prioritized reading and writing in Latin and Greek, using students' native language for explanations.
• The Direct Approach (late 1800s) focuses on direct teaching in the target language. It discourages translation.
• The Audio-Lingual Approach revolved around repetition and memorization of sentences and dialogues.
• Newer Approaches (1970s onward) include Total Physical Response, the Silent Way, Suggestopedia, and the Natural Approach. These emphasize different learning methods and ways to teach.
• Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) (1970s and 1980s) is a significant shift to language learning in real-life contexts; focusing on communication, use of language, and interaction.

Learning Strategies

• Describe Around the Word (Circumlocution): Use alternative words to describe an unknown word.
• Avoid Hard Topics (Avoidance): Prevent talking about a topic for which you have limited vocabulary.
• Make Up Words (Word Coinage): When you don't know a word, create a new one that makes sense.
• Switch Languages (Language Switching or Code Switching): Use your native language if you don't know an unfamiliar word or phrase in the target language.
• Ask for Help (Clarification and Comprehension Checks): Ask questions to confirm meaning.
• Use Body Language (Non-verbal Strategies): Employ gestures, expressions, or miming for effective communication.
• Use Similar Words (Approximation): Suggest a similar word if the exact right word isn't known.
• Use General Words (All-Purpose Words): Substitute general terms like "stuff" when unsure of the precise word.
• Short Responses (Minimal Responses): Use short answers to demonstrate listening.
• Follow Patterns (Recognising Scripts/Patterns): Learning the familiar patterns in conversations or dialogue.
• Use Fillers (Fillers and Hesitation Devices): Using phrases like "um," "uh," or "well" to give yourself time to formulate a response.

Effective Techniques for Learning a New Language

• Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) learning goals.
• Practicing with real material (books, movies, conversations).
• Regularly reviewing understanding and identifying strengths/weaknesses.
• Practicing all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing).
• Teacher and student expectations matching or being aware of differing backgrounds and cultures.
• Incorporating real-world learning and activities.

Why People Learn Languages Better

• Aptitude or intelligence level
• Age: younger children typically learn faster
• Learning style preferences
• Motivation levels
• Familiarity with their first language
• Exposure to the new language (living in an area where that language is used)

Key Teacher Traits

• Following rules and ethical policies
• Friendly, approachable attitude;
• Building and maintaining good relationships with students;
• Creating a safe and supportive classroom environment;
• Providing a good learning experience;
• Creating a sense of belonging;
• High but realistic expectations; being flexible; and;
• Being skilled at using appropriate language.
• Using clear, simple language and correcting mistakes effectively
• Using different kinds of activities, materials, and resources;
• Acknowledging varied learning needs.

Teachers' Role and Activities

• Assessing progress and offering feedback.
• Correcting errors; providing guidance.
• Allowing multiple learning ways and expressions.
• Planning for follow-up lessons.
• Preparing and delivering tests and examinations, marking assignments fairly, communicating updates sensitively and communicating with sensitivity.
• Using technologies like recordings and computers to enhance learning.
• Providing materials that connect to real lives, cultures, and current topics; adjusting pace as needed; making presentations effectively.
• Offering various groupings of learners (individual, pairs, groups).
• Engaging questions, encouraging participation, and supporting all learners; ensuring smooth transitions in lessons; speaking clearly and varied to avoid monotony.
• Reviewing and summarizing key points; offering resources for outside classroom study.
• Prompting and editing student contributions.

Peer Observation

• Peer observation helps teachers learn from each other in a non-judgmental atmosphere.
• It allows for constructive feedback to promote professional benefit.