16.06.

2015
Marta Chudzik
MODULE 1 EXAM: PART 1

Nowadays, the eclectic approach is one of the most important concept in the contemporary
English language teaching taking into consideration teaching methods. It gives teachers the
possibility to combine and use different methods provided it suits their teaching style and the
needs of their learners. Teachers of English should adopt and adjust the most effective
teaching methods in order to provide perfect conditions for language learning. There are a lot
of methods and approaches which have advantages and disadvantages but usually they are not
totally suitable for current classroom teaching. Therefore, the eclectic approach seems to be
the most reasonable concept to use in teaching a foreign language.
One of the method which I would implement in lesson plan based on the text Why ants are
so strong? is the Cognitive Method. I have chosen it because of the idea of discovery and
meaningful learning (Dakowska, 2005). There is a strong emphasis on intellectual scaffolding
which help learners discover new things by themselves. The learners are in the centre of
learning process (Larsen-Freeman &Anderson, 2011). The text could be a good introduction
and the base for the topic about ants and other insects. Therefore, the teacher should organize
set of activities in advance to guide learners. The whole process of learning depends on how
well the information are put in the order. The activities which I would use such as
brainstorming, grouping and doing mind-maps are very useful aids in discovery learning.
Moreover, in cognitive classroom new things are taught in connection and interaction with the
previous one so it is worth to plan few lessons in which learners will be able to build their
knowledge and revise what help them remember new material better.
Another method which I would adapt is one of the non-conventional method, The Silent Way
proposed by Caleb Cattegno. The importance of additional, mainly visual, materials is the

aspect which I would take into consideration in my lesson. This method tells that it is crucial
to provide a lot of stimulation and visual support which involve learners (Larsen-Freeman &
Anderson, 2011). The Silent Way put emphasis on the visual aids. I believe, nowadays
students respond well to technology and teachers should take advantage of it. In my lesson, I
would use variety of films and pictures taken from the Internet which aim is to teach young
learners about world around them. I would find a video about ants lives which visualize it.
Moreover, another option is to find music video which will not only visualize it but also
enable students to learn the pronunciation and the rhythm of the target language. Additionally,
similarly to the Cognitive method, in The Silent Way learners are in the centre of learning
process and teachers are silent guides who help students discover the language.

References:
Dakowska, M. (2005). Teaching English as a Foreign Language. A Guide for Professionals.
Warszawa: Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN
Larsen-Freeman, D., & Anderson, M. (2011). Techniques & Principles in Language Teaching.
New York: Oxford