7 Teaching Methods and Approaches in ELT Every Teacher Should Know

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) or English as a Second Language (ESL) is not a one-size-fits-all process. Over the years, teachers and linguists have developed different teaching methods and approaches to help students acquire English effectively. Each method has its own philosophy, classroom practices, advantages, and limitations.

As teachers, understanding these approaches allows us to choose the right one for our students, depending on their goals, age, and learning style. In this article, we will explore the most important methods in ELT and see how they can be applied in the classroom.

 

1. Grammar-Translation Method

The grammar-translation method is one of the oldest approaches, dating back to the teaching of Latin and Greek. It focuses on grammar rules, vocabulary lists, and direct translation between the mother tongue and the target language.

• Example in class: The teacher explains a grammar rule (e.g., past tense), gives a list of verbs, and asks students to translate sentences from their native language into English.
• Advantages:
• Builds a strong foundation in grammar and vocabulary.
• Useful for students preparing for written exams.
• Disadvantages:
• Neglects speaking and listening.
• May feel boring and disconnected from real communication.

Best for: learners who want accuracy and a strong academic background.

Keywords: grammar-translation method in ELT, traditional English teaching.

 

2. Direct Method

The direct method was developed as a reaction to grammar-translation. It avoids translation completely and uses the target language only. Teachers explain new vocabulary with pictures, gestures, or real objects, and grammar is taught implicitly through conversation.

• Example in class: Instead of translating “apple,” the teacher shows a real apple or picture and asks, “What is this? Do you like apples?”
• Advantages:
• Encourages active speaking and listening.
• Builds natural communication skills.
• Disadvantages:
• Difficult for beginners without any background.
• Requires small classes and skilled teachers.

Best for: learners who want to develop speaking fluency quickly.

Keywords: direct method ELT, communicative learning.

 

3. Audio-Lingual Method

Popular in the 1950s and 1960s, the audio-lingual method is based on behaviorist psychology. It relies on repetition, pattern drills, and memorization to create language habits.

• Example in class: Teacher: “I am eating.” Students repeat several times. Then the teacher changes: “She is eating,” “They are eating,” and students repeat.
• Advantages:
• Helps with pronunciation and accuracy.
• Good for beginners who need structured practice.
• Disadvantages:
• Can be mechanical and boring.
• Students may memorize without understanding.

Best for: drilling grammar patterns, pronunciation, and controlled practice.

Keywords: audio-lingual method, drilling in ELT.

 

4. Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)

CLT is one of the most widely used approaches today. The focus is on communication and interaction, not just accuracy. Students practice real-life situations such as role-playing a job interview, ordering food at a restaurant, or solving a problem in groups.

• Example in class: Students work in pairs to plan a holiday. They must use English to decide on a destination, activities, and budget.
• Advantages:
• Builds fluency and confidence.
• Makes learning meaningful and fun.
• Disadvantages:
• Grammar accuracy may be neglected.
• Requires motivated students and teacher creativity.

Best for: learners who need English for real-world communication.

Keywords: communicative approach in ELT, CLT method.

 

5. Task-Based Learning (TBL)

Task-based learning is closely related to CLT but goes further by using tasks as the central focus of lessons. Students learn language through completing meaningful tasks, not by studying rules first.

• Example in class: Students are asked to design a poster for an environmental campaign. While working, they use English for discussing ideas, writing slogans, and presenting their project.
• Advantages:
• Motivates students through problem-solving.
• Develops both fluency and creativity.
• Disadvantages:
• May not provide enough focus on form.
• Some students prefer clear grammar instruction.

Best for: learners who like teamwork and hands-on learning.

Keywords: task-based learning ELT, TBL approach.

 

6. Total Physical Response (TPR)

TPR was developed by James Asher and is especially effective with young learners. It connects language with physical movement, making learning fun and memorable.

• Example in class: The teacher gives commands such as “Stand up, touch the door, sit down.” Students respond physically before saying the words themselves.
• Advantages:
• Reduces stress and makes learning enjoyable.
• Very effective for beginners and children.
• Disadvantages:
• Limited for advanced learners.
• Not ideal for teaching abstract ideas.

Best for: children, beginners, and kinesthetic learners.

Keywords: TPR method in teaching English, teaching children English.

 

7. The Eclectic Approach

In today’s classrooms, many teachers do not follow a single method. Instead, they use an eclectic approach, mixing techniques from different methods depending on the lesson goals.

• Example in class: A teacher might use TPR for introducing new vocabulary, CLT for speaking practice, and grammar-translation for explaining complex rules.
• Advantages:
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Allows teachers to meet the needs of different students.
• Disadvantages:
• Requires strong knowledge of all methods.
• Can become unstructured if not carefully planned.

Best for: modern classrooms with mixed abilities and learning styles.

Keywords: eclectic approach ELT, combining teaching methods.

 

Conclusion

There is no single “best” method in English Language Teaching. Each approach has strengths and weaknesses, and successful teachers adapt methods to their students’ needs.

• If students need accuracy, grammar-translation or audio-lingual can help.
• If students need fluency, CLT and TBL are ideal.
• For children, TPR is highly effective.
• For mixed classes, an eclectic approach works best.

By understanding these methods, teachers can make informed choices and create lessons that are engaging, effective, and learner-centered. The goal is not just to teach English, but to help learners use it confidently in real life. 

Which teaching method works best for you? Share your thoughts below!

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