Language teaching methodology is defined and three representative instructional approaches are described. Definition of language teaching methods is attempted through comparison with approach and technique. The essentials of the translation, direct, and audiolingual methods of language instruction are outlined (with emphasis on the latter), and…

IN THE LAST 20 YEARS, SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF THE NATURE OF LANGUAGE AND THE PSYCHOLOGY OF LANGUAGE LEARNING, RESEARCH IN STRUCTURAL LINGUISTICS, AND NEWLY-DEVELOPED TECHNOLOGY HAVE BROUGHT ABOUT REVOLUTIONARY CHANGES IN LANGUAGE-TEACHING METHODS. TO ACHIEVE AN IDEAL METHOD, THE POSSIBILITIES INHERENT IN THIS PROGRESS MUST BE EMPLOYED, AND THE…

IF STATISTICS WERE AVAILABLE ON THE DROPOUT RATE AND UNSATISFACTORY ACHIEVEMENT OF COLLEGE STUDENTS TAKING RUSSIAN, THEY WOULD PROBABLY SUPPORT THE WIDELY HELD OPINION THAT RUSSIAN IS DIFFICULT. THE DIFFICULTY IS ATTRIBUTABLE LARGELY TO THE FACT THAT RUSSIAN IS NEITHER A GERMANIC NOR A ROMANCE LANGUAGE, AND STUDENTS THUS FIND IT HARD TO RECOGNIZE…

This article on language instruction elaborates on assumptions, procedures, and techniques used in the implementation of various teaching methodologies. Equally critical of the grammar-translation method and the direct method, the author points out the strengths of the audiolingual approach. The lack of controlled, scientific investigation of the…

Trends in the teaching of Spanish which have developed during the past several decades are reviewed in this article. Criticism is directed especially toward the traditional and audiolingual methods of instruction. The increasingly important role of Spanish in the world is discussed. Observations are directed toward: (1) the traditional, the…

Trends, developments, and special needs in foreign language instruction are discussed in this speech. Priority is given to a definition and evaluation of the language skills, and suggestions are included for mastering listening, speaking, reading, and writing aspects of second languages. Related topics of culture, literature, linguistics, language…

Pattern practice, as a functional part of the audiolingual and grammar translation methods of language instruction, is described. Characteristics and limitations of repetition, substitution, transformation, and translation drills are outlined. (AF)