{"id":47466,"date":"2018-06-07T05:34:39","date_gmt":"2018-06-07T09:34:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/?p=47466"},"modified":"2025-05-25T03:19:34","modified_gmt":"2025-05-25T07:19:34","slug":"new-methods-of-teaching-english","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/educator-english\/new-methods-of-teaching-english\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Methods of Teaching English"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ever get tired of using the same old teaching routines? Many students are used to memorizing verbs, answering worksheets, taking dictation and repeating, repeating, repeating.<\/p>\n

However, the prevalence of social media and the internet as a whole has changed the way people learn languages\u2014for the better. It’s imperative for modern language teachers to address the needs and interests of today\u2019s students<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Here are eight fresh methods for teaching English that you can implement in your lessons.<\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc]<\/p>\n

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1. Task-based Approach<\/h2>\n

The Task-based Learning approach<\/a> focuses on communication rather than structure. That means that language is an enabler, where each task must be relevant to students\u2019 lives and interests.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Grammar and vocabulary are essentially taught \u201con the fly\u201d with this approach. This doesn\u2019t mean we\u2019re winging it\u2014rather, language is taught within the context of the task, thus avoiding a teacher-centered grammar explanation.<\/p>\n

Sample tasks could include ordering in a restaurant, or perhaps more advanced tasks like critiquing a movie.<\/b>\u00a0In this approach, the language taught revolves around the task itself, not the other way around.<\/p>\n

For this method to work, teachers must understand their students’ needs and expectations in order to design lessons that help the students succeed. Grammar, vocabulary and language skills are just the vehicles that enable students to achieve their final outcomes.<\/p>\n

2. Content and Language Integrated Learning<\/h2>\n

\"Children<\/a><\/p>\n

The Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)<\/a> method focuses on content more than language itself. In fact, language is seen as an enabler that allows students to use target structures within a given context.<\/p>\n

This type of methodology is perfect for schools where teachers teach subjects in English, while the rest of the curriculum is taught in another language. Science, social studies and math can all be taught in this way.<\/strong> The language needed to comprehend the materials is integrated into the content, so teachers don\u2019t have to cover grammar and vocabulary extensively.<\/p>\n

One clear advantage of this method is that it allows lessons to be tailored to suit students\u2019 interests and preferences.<\/a> CLIL is perfect for teaching language in a meaningful way, as it allows you to show students the real-life applications of a language within its cultural context.<\/p>\n

Want to teach with CLIL but you\u2019re running low on ideas? Check out OER Commons.<\/a> There, you can browse free lesson plans and materials that you can customize to suit your students and your curriculum.<\/p>\n

3. Project-based Approach<\/h2>\n

The project-based approach is meant to address students\u2019 needs by adapting language to the skills and competencies they truly need personally and\/or professionally. The application of this approach begins by determining the one, global objective that the individual or group of students have.<\/strong><\/p>\n

For example, one time I taught a room full of accountants who were all vying for promotions in their company. They had to produce specific monthly reports in English for multiple departments in their office. So, we broke one sample report into sections and analyzed each segment. Their final project was a finished report they could submit to their boss for approval.<\/p>\n

But what if you have a class full of teenagers<\/a> who don\u2019t want to be in class to begin with? Start by doing a needs assessment, looking at what they’re interested in and what topics they really need to know.<\/p>\n

This assessment will lead to the design of one overarching project as the end result of the class, term or course<\/a>. This project can be anything from an oral presentation to a large-scale production, like a class play.<\/p>\n

Think of the project as their final, comprehensive assessment. Just remember that your evaluation criteria must be clear.<\/strong><\/p>\n

4. The Natural Approach<\/h2>\n

Also known as the \u201csilent way,\u201d<\/a> the Natural Approach is a teaching method based on the way babies and infants acquire native language.<\/strong> When teaching with the Natural Approach, students initially receive nothing but input from the teacher\u2014they\u2019re not asked to produce anything.<\/p>\n

Over time, students are asked to produce so long as they comfortable doing so\u2014based on the target structures taught. They start off by relaying the language taught while they build up their linguistic skills.<\/p>\n

This method is perfect for true beginners due to the intensive use of visuals and physical cues to convey meaning. Since students are not asked to produce initially, this reduces learner stress.<\/p>\n

A great way to put the natural approach into practice is by performing the activity, \u201cThe king wants.\u201d<\/p>\n

For this activity, simply ask students for an item and start the sentence with \u201cThe king wants\u2026 (or the queen wants\u2026)\u201d For example, if you say, \u201cThe king wants a pencil,\u201d students must give you a pencil. Don\u2019t have too many items in the class? Flashcards can work just fine.<\/p>\n

5. Total Physical Response<\/h2>\n

Total Physical Response<\/a>, or TPR, is another great method based on the silent way. TPR requires students to demonstrate understanding through a physical response rather than a verbal one.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Students are not asked to produce any language until they are ready to do so. That\u2019s because TPR is all about acting out language.<\/p>\n

The game, \u201cSimon Says\u201d is a great TPR activity for beginners. Plus, it\u2019s a classic most everyone is familiar with.<\/p>\n

Teaching higher-level students? Try playing charades! All you need is a few index cards or flashcards. Students are then given cards with words or pictures on them, and must act out the card until their classmates guess the correct word.<\/p>\n

In addition to being perfect for beginners, TPR can be utilized throughout instruction across all levels, focusing specifically on kinesthetic learners.<\/p>\n

6. Lexical Syllabus<\/h2>\n

This approach is based upon the core language that students need to know most<\/a>. Again, professional students may need very specific vocabulary pertaining to their field.<\/p>\n

Any other language taught outside of this core language is meant to be supplementary and intended to enable students\u2019 communication<\/strong> within their respective fields.<\/p>\n

The good news is that there’s quite a bit of research on this topic, leading to word lists\u00a0teachers can focus on<\/a>. For beginners, 10 words would make for a great lesson. Activities can range from matching pictures and definitions to working with dialogues.<\/p>\n

Since this method focuses on learning the right vocabulary, there are plenty of programs and apps that can help students learn in an engaging way.<\/p>\n

For example, you can use FluentU<\/a> to give life to those vocabulary lists your students are studying.<\/p>\n

FluentU<\/strong> takes authentic videos\u2014like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks\u2014and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.<\/p>\r\n

<\/p> \r\n

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app<\/a> or Android app.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)<\/a><\/i>\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n \"FluentU\r\n

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