A Brief History of English

Language Teaching

Richards & Rodgers

Ch1
Discussion Question 1: Whats factors have brought
about innovations/changes in language teaching
methodology?
Kind of proficiency needed:
Oral, reading comprehension

Theories
Goal
on
of language innovation
the nature
study
of language

Theories
of
language
learning
Popular Languages Throughout
History

LATIN(500 YRS AGO): Language of

education , commerce, religion and
government in the Western world.

FRENCH, ITALIAN, ENGLISH (16th

Century): Due to political changes and
increased communication and relationships.
Discussion Question 2: What were the factors
contributing to the popularity of Latin?

The educational function of Latin was the

study of classical works of literature by Virgil,
Ovid or Cicero.
Latin necessary for the analysis of classical
works of literature.
Belief that learning Latin improves intellectual
abilities, a kind of mental gymnastic.
Discussion Question 3: How did the status change
of Latin influence language learning?

Analysis of the grammar and rhetoric of literary

works became the model for language teaching.
Rigorous study of Latin grammar was required in
Grammar Schools.
Chapters or lessons were organized around
grammar points.
Study of frozen rules of morphology and syntax
came first, then practice was done through
translation.
Discussion Question 4: What are the characteristics
of the GTM (Grammar Translation Method)

Goal - reading target language literature

Mental discipline, intellectual development
Memorizing rules and facts
Translation TL NL
First language used as a reference system
Reading and writing major skills
Vocabulary lists - memorization
What are the characteristics of the GTM (Grammar
Translation Method)

Sentence the basic unit of teaching and

language practice
Accuracy or correctness is emphasized
High standards are expected from students
Formal written examinations
Grammar taught deductively
From rules to practice
What are the characteristics of the GTM (Grammar
Translation Method)

Native language is the medium of instruction

There is no theory behind the GTM and no
literature suggests a justification for it.
19th century innovations

Demand for oral proficiency

A market for conversation books
 First reformists
C. Marcel: used child language as a model, meaning-
reading first
T. Prendergast:contextual and situational clues, routines
or memorized phrases, structural syllabus starting with
basic patterns.
F. Gouin: observation of childrens use of language.
Language learning facilitated through using language to
accomplish events.
Reform movement

Henry Sweet England

Willhelm Vietr - Germany
Paul Passy France
IPA (International Phonetics Alphabet)
Principles:
Spoken language
Phonetic training
Conversational texts
Inductive approach
Associations
Translation avoided
The Direct Method

Sauveur et. al.:

In meaning is conveyed directly through demonstration and
action, language can be taught without the help of translation.
Franke:
A language can be best taught by using it actively in the
classroom.
Direct and spontaneous use of language should be motivated.
Pronunciation is paid systematic atention.
Vocabulary taught with the help of known words, m,m,cs nd
gestures.
Sauveur and Berlitz Language Schools
in The U.S. :

Target language use in the classroom.

Everyday vocabulary and sentences.
Building oral communication skills.
nductive grammar teaching.
Oral teaching of new points.
Concrete vocabulary through demonstration
Abstract vocabulary through association
Speech and listening comprehension taught
Correct pronunciation and grammar emphasized
Decline of the Direct Method and the
Coleman Report

Drawbacks of the Direct Method:

Required native speaker teachers
Depended too much on the teachers skills
Teachers were required to go great lengths to avoid using
the native language
Time was recstricted
The Coleman report
Proposed a reading knowledge and study of vocabulary and
grammatical structures through simple reading texts would
be more useful.
Reading became goal of most language programs in the
US. Until the WWII.