ESL ESL Teaching Methods & Approaches 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What distinguishes the Direct Method from the Grammar-Translation Method?
- The Direct Method forbids use of the target language
- The Direct Method uses only the target language and avoids L1 translation (Correct answer)
- The Direct Method focuses exclusively on writing
- The Direct Method requires bilingual teachers
Correct answer: The Direct Method uses only the target language and avoids L1 translation
The Direct Method immerses learners in the target language by banning L1 use and teaching meaning through demonstration.
Question 2: Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) is designed to support which learners?
- Native speakers with dyslexia
- English Language Learners in mainstream content classrooms (Correct answer)
- Advanced ESL graduate students
- Adult literacy learners
Correct answer: English Language Learners in mainstream content classrooms
SIOP provides a framework for making grade-level content comprehensible to ELLs while building academic language.
Question 3: Which instructional strategy involves providing temporary support that is gradually removed as learners gain independence?
- Immersion
- Scaffolding (Correct answer)
- Drilling
- Silent Period
Correct answer: Scaffolding
Scaffolding offers structured support tailored to the learner's current level and is progressively withdrawn as competence grows.
Question 4: In the Natural Approach, what is the 'affective filter'?
- A grammar checklist used by teachers
- A psychological barrier that blocks language acquisition when anxiety is high (Correct answer)
- A phonetic screening tool
- A student self-assessment rubric
Correct answer: A psychological barrier that blocks language acquisition when anxiety is high
Krashen's affective filter hypothesis holds that stress and low confidence raise a mental barrier that impedes language acquisition.
Question 5: Which approach asks learners to engage in pre-task, task cycle, and language focus stages?
- Silent Way
- Task-Based Language Teaching (Correct answer)
- Grammar-Translation
- Community Language Learning
Correct answer: Task-Based Language Teaching
Willis's TBLT framework organizes lessons into pre-task preparation, task execution, and explicit language reflection.
Question 6: What is the key principle behind Cooperative Language Learning (CLL) in ESL classrooms?
- Students work individually on grammar tests
- Students collaborate in small groups to achieve shared language learning goals (Correct answer)
- Teachers model language while students observe silently
- Assessment is done by peers only
Correct answer: Students collaborate in small groups to achieve shared language learning goals
CLL leverages positive interdependence and peer interaction so all group members contribute to and benefit from shared language practice.
ESL ESL Teaching Methods & Approaches 2
What distinguishes the Direct Method from the Grammar-Translation Method?