Chapter 5Key Concepts

Audiolingual Method

Audiolingual Method

Based on behaviorist principles, this method attempted to develop good language habits through repetitive drills and pattern practices.

Communicative Approach, or Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)

Communicative Approach, or Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)

An approach that emphasizes using techniques that engage learners in the pragmatic, authentic, functional use of language for meaningful purposes.

computer-assisted language learning (CALL)

computer-assisted language learning (CALL)

Refers to using the computer and computerized resources in L2 learning.

computer-mediated communication (CMC)

computer-mediated communication (CMC)

Communication through electronic devices, such as sending emails, using text messages, video-based programs, etc.

corrective feedback

corrective feedback

Providing correct feedback following the learner’s incorrect utterances.

Direct Method

Direct Method

An approach developed in reaction to the Grammar Translation Method that gave priority to oral expression and avoided recourse to the learner’s native language.

focus on form, or form-focused instruction (FFI)

focus on form or form-focused instruction (FFI)

Drawing students’ attention to aspects of linguistic form in classrooms characterized by a meaning- or communication-based approach.

focus on forms

focus on forms

An emphasis on formal aspects of language in the classroom by isolating them for practice through exercises, rather than drawing attention to forms through meaningful activities.

Grammar Translation Method

Grammar Translation Method

Teaching method with an emphasis on grammar and translation of sentences.

input enhancement

input enhancement

Various means of drawing attention to aspects of the target language so that students will notice and learn them, such as underlining or using bold type.

input flooding

input flooding

Exposing learners to substantial amounts of input, or examples of a given linguistic feature.

postmethod perspective

postmethod perspective

View (e.g., Kumaravadivelu) that implementing any single method is misguided; teachers need to take their specific teaching context into account and take an active role.

Processing Instruction (PI)

Processing Instruction (PI)

An approach to L2 teaching based on Input Processing, it draws learners’ attention to grammatical forms through various means.

Suggestopedia

Suggestopedia

An L2 teaching approach developed by Georgi Lozanov that promoted a relaxed stress-free environment for language learning in small groups.

task-based instruction, or task-based language teaching (TBLT)

task-based instruction or task-based language teaching (TBLT)

An approach related to communicative language teaching emphasizing concrete learning outcomes in the form of “tasks,” i.e., what learners are able to do with the language.

uptake

uptake

Learner’s utterance that follows and incorporates teacher feedback.

Total Physical Response Method

Total Physical Response Method

Teaching method developed by Asher, which allows learners to wait until they are ready to speak, but asks them to carry out actions.