METHODOLOGIES, METHODS AND APPROACHES

Samantha Simoens English Coordinator I.E.B.P. Little Angels

What is a
Methodology Method
Approach

Methodology
The study of pedagogical practices in general (including theoretical underpinnings and related research). Whatever considerations are involved in "how to teach" are methodological.

Method
A generalized set of classroom specifications for accomplishing linguistic objectives. Methods tend to be primarily concerned with teacher and student roles and behaviors and secondarily with such features as linguistic and subject-matter objectives, sequencing, and materials. They are almost always thought of as being broadly applicable to a variety of audiences in a variety of contexts.

Approach
Theoretical positions and beliefs about the nature of language, the nature of language learning, and the applicability of both to pedagogical settings.

Some Extra Terms to Consider

Curriculum/Syllabus Designs for carrying out a particular language program. Features include a primary concern with the specification of linguistic and subject-matter objectives, sequencing, and materials to meet the needs of a designated group of learners in a defined context. Technique

Any of a wide variety of exercises, activities, or devices used in the language classroom for realizing lesson objectives.

Principles in Language Teaching

Cognitive

Linguistic

Affective

Automaticity

Strategic Investment

Meaningful Learning

Cognitive

Intrinsic Motivation

Anticipation of Rewards

Native Language Effect

Linguistic
Communicative Competence
Inter-language

Language Ego

LanguageCulture Connection

Affective

SelfConfidence

Risk-Taking

Recommendations
Be a risk-taker and see errors as an essential, positive part of the learning process; See peers (i.e., your fellow teachers) as sources of learning, who may or may not be "right";

See learning as a cooperative and collaborative exercise, not a competitive one; Try to take responsibility for your own learning, set your own goals and develop strategies to achieve them.
It is a good idea to keep your own teaching "journal", listing the techniques you try and how effective they were in application to various learners and language items. This in fact equates to classroom Action Research