Are you aware of the diverse approaches to teaching foreign languages?
Aren’t language classes just about drilling grammar?
Indeed, there’s the traditional method that focuses on grammar, but lately, methods that prioritize communication have been drawing attention.
prioritize communication?
Today, I’ll delve into three prominent foreign language teaching methods that have evolved from the post-war period to today, and share why I’ve embraced the task-based method.
Exploring Three Teaching Methods
Audio-lingual Method
The Audio-lingual Method was born out of the Army Specialized Training Program(ASTP) in the United States during World War II, a time when there was a pressing need for a quick and efficient way to learn foreign languages. After the war, ASTP was adapted for general language learning. Grounded in structural linguistics and enriched with the principles of behaviorist psychology, the Audio-lingual Method puts a strong emphasis on learning languages through imitation and practice. Essentially, it suggests that language structure can be acquired through repeated conditioning and reflexive responses, similar to Pavlov’s experiments with dogs. The core of this approach is pattern practice.
| Pros | Cons |
| ・Enables systematic grammar study. ・Facilitates memorization and precision through repetition. ・Focusing on language structure simplifies objective assessment. | ・Falls short in developing communicative competencies. ・May become tedious, potentially dampening learner enthusiasm. ・Lacks practical application as it doesn’t mirror real-life language use scenarios. |
Communicative Approach
Emerging in the 1970s in the UK, the Communicative Approach was a critique of the Audio-lingual Method’s mechanical repetition. The ASTP, the precursor to the Audio-lingual Method, was developed for use during wartime. They were not designed with communication as a primary goal, which led to the realization that the Audio-lingual Method fell short in supporting practical communication skills. Communicative Approach champions the ability to communicate, highlighting the functional and pragmatic aspects of language use. This method leans towards fluency over pinpoint accuracy.
| Pros | Cons |
| ・Nurtures communication skills applicable to real-world scenarios. ・Offers learners increased chances to actively engage with the language. | ・Systematic study of grammar and vocabulary might be challenging. ・May struggle to enhance linguistic precision. ・Challenging to grade objectively. |
Task-Based Teaching Method
As the Communicative Approach was further explored, it became evident that it posed challenges for systematic learning and efficiently improving language abilities. It highlighted the importance of grammar study again. Consequently, the Task-Based Teaching Method was developed. This method, which emerged in the late 1980s, promotes language learning through engaging with real-world tasks. It necessitates the use of specific grammatical structures for task completion, thus allowing learners to develop communication skills while integrating new grammar. This method effectively addresses the limitations inherent in both the Audio-lingual Method and the Communicative Approach.
| Pros | Cons |
| ・Encourages language use relevant to everyday life. ・Can enhance both accuracy and fluency. ・Sense of accomplishment fosters sustained motivation. | ・Comprehensive coverage of grammar and vocabulary through tasks can be challenging. ・Task design and proficiency assessment may pose difficulties for instructors. |
Why I Favor the Task-Based Teaching Method
I find this method supremely suited for online teaching. Let’s revisit each method with an online teaching lens.
The Case Against the Audio-lingual Method
Primarily beneficial in large classes or where paper tests are the objective, it simplifies lesson planning around sentence patterns and facilitates objective grading based on sentence structure. Though prevalent in university environments and domestic Japanese language schools focused on JLPT preparation, it’s not conducive to developing conversational skills.
The Case Against the Communicative Approach
Picture lessons using resources like NHK news web easy for open discussions and conversations. While it might satisfy intermediate learners craving the freedom of speech in a foreign language, it typically leads to repetitive use of familiar structures and expressions, hindering progress. It’s less suited for absolute beginners.
Embracing the Task-Based Method
Merging the strengths of the aforementioned methods, the Task-Based Method is ideal for online settings. It embeds language use in task completion, enhancing retention.
Ever greeted a foreigner in their language and seen them light up? Such interactions make the language memorable, not merely as a set of sounds or characters but as a functional tool.
Overcoming Task-Based Method Challenges
The challenges include ensuring comprehensive coverage and the complexity of task design and proficiency assessment.
To tackle these, I’ve developed original materials to offer as complete a study experience as possible.
Online, personalized teaching eliminates the need for formal assessment. If learners seek assessment, I suggest taking the JLPT.
Why Learners Opt for Online Lessons
Those investing in online lessons typically aim for conversational fluency over mere grammatical knowledge.
The Task-Based Method, with its focus on individual task accomplishment, is perfectly aligned with the one-on-one nature of online lessons, offering significant communicative skill development.
If this peek into the Task-Based Teaching Method has piqued your interest, consider joining my lessons!
Find the Ideal Tutor for You!
I had thought language learning was all about grammar, but there’s such a variety of methods.
Understanding the different approaches allows you to choose the most fitting path for your language learning.
While some may still prefer a grammar-centric approach despite recognizing the conversational advantages of the Task-Based Method, Preply boasts a vast selection of over 1,500 Japanese teachers, ensuring you’ll find the perfect match.
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