The document defines key terms related to language teaching methodology, including: approach, method, syllabus, technique. It categorizes techniques as being on a continuum from manipulative to communicative, and controlled to free. A taxonomy is provided that sorts techniques based on how controlled or free they are. Finally, the document discusses supporting materials that can be used, including textbooks, other written texts, audio-visual aids, realia, and computer-assisted language learning.

2.  Techniques = the specific activities
manifested in the classroom that are
consistent with a method and therefore
in harmony with an approach as well

3. Approach Design Procedure
Elements and sub-elements of
method – Richards and Rogers
 Theory of
native
language
 A theory of the
nature of
language
learning
 The general and the
specific objectives
 Syllabus
 Types of learning and
teaching activities
 Learner’s role
 Teacher’s role
 The role of
instrumental material
Classroom
Technic and
procedures
And behaviours
observed when
the method is
used

4. Definitions that reflect current usage:
Methodology = the study of pedagogical practices in
general (how to teach)
Approach = theoretical positions and beliefs about the
nature of language, the nature of language learning
Method = a generalized set of classroom specifications for
accomplishing linguistic objectives
Syllabus = design for carrying out a particular language
program
Technique = any of a wide variety of exercises, activities
or devices used in the language classroom for realising
lesson objectives

5. Categorizing techniques
1. From manipulation to communication
manipulative = totally controlled by the teacher and require a
predicted response from the students (choral repetition, drills,
dictation and reading aloud)
communicative = students responses are open-ended and
unpredictable (story-telling, brainstorming, role – plays, games)
Drill
mechanical drill = only one correct response from a student
= no connection with the reality
meaningful drill = may have a predicted response, but is connected
to some form of reality
quasi-communicative practice = if the exercise is communicative is
no longer a drill

6. 2. Controlled to free techniques
Controlled Free
= teacher centered =student centered
= manipulative = communicative
= structured = open-ended
= predicted responses = unpredicted responses
= pre-planned objectives = negotiated objectives

7. Taxonomy of techniques
Controlled techniques
-warm up
-setting
-organizational
-content explanation
-role-play demonstration
-reading aloud
-question-answer, display
-drill
-translation
-dictation
-copying
-identification
-review
-testing
Semi controlled techniques
-Brainstorming
-Story-telling
-Dialogue
-Narration
-Information transfer
-Information exchange
-Wrap up
-Preparation
Free techniques
-Role play
-Games
-Report
-Problem solving
-Drama
-Simulation
-Interview
-Discussion
-composition

8. Supporting materials
Textbooks
- Selecting a textbook is a complex task, different things must be taken into
consideration:
a) goals of the course
b) background of students (age, education, native language, motivation)
c) approach
d) language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing)
e) general content (proficiency level, authenticity)
f) quality of practice material (exercises, explanation, review)
g) sequencing
h) vocabulary
i) sociolinguistic factors (variety of English, cultural content)
j) format
k) supplementary material (workbook, tapes, tests, posters)
l) teacher´s guide (answer keys, alternative exercises)

9. Other written texts
-among other written texts available for use is an unlimited supply of
real-world
textual material such as signs, schedules, calendars, advertisements, menus,
notes...
Audio-visual aids
1.Commercially produced – audio cassettes with: listening exercises
lectures
stories
- video tape and films: documentation
instruction
- slides, photographs, posters
2.Creative your own – tapes of conversations of people known to the students
- posters, charts, magazine pictures
3. Realia
Objects – food items, cosmetics, tools and other materials
Computer assisted language learning (CALL)
-tutorial programs (covering grammar, vocabulary, revising, editing)
-text building programs
-process writing (drafting, revising, editing)
-games
-testing