Classic Approaches to Teaching English in the Classroom
This article explores the enduring relevance of traditional English teaching methods, highlighting their core techniques, stages, and significance in global language education. Despite advancements in modern pedagogies, classic classroom approaches remain vital, especially in resource-limited contexts, providing a reliable foundation for learners worldwide.
Overview
As the importance of English continues to rise globally, language instruction methods have evolved through various phases. Despite this, traditional English teaching methods still maintain a strong foothold in many regions. Many educators believe that excessive reliance on technological tools can distract students, diverting attention from core language learning. However, given the increasing movement across borders and the dominance of English worldwide, learning English remains essential, especially for non-native speakers seeking opportunities abroad.
Even within native language environments, engaging with English is often necessary for global communication.
Traditional English Teaching
This approach heavily relies on the age-old chalk-and-talk technique, emphasizing a close teacher-student relationship. A typical classic class includes:
A teacher and a few learners
A blackboard, chalk, and eraser
Students with notebooks, pens, and pencils
Grammar and textbook resources
A teacher using a stick as a pointer
The teaching pattern generally involves either: (i) the teacher writing sentences for students to copy or (ii) students translating texts from their native language to English.
(iii) Reading comprehension and text analysis are also vital components. The process involves:
Writing sentences on the board, explaining grammatical structures, and providing multiple examples
Using native language aids to assist in translation exercises for learners less familiar with English surroundings
Reading and understanding passages in English, then answering questions to assess comprehension—the content and difficulty tailored to students’ progress levels
Summary
Although newer methods like CLT (Communicative Language Teaching) and TESOL are gaining popularity, many teachers still prefer traditional methods for their proven effectiveness. This age-old approach fosters understanding of texts and forms a fundamental basis for language learning, especially in environments where modern infrastructure isn't accessible. Its reliability and simplicity continue to make it a preferred choice for many educators worldwide.
