TEFL Teaching Methodologies and Approaches 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to Krashen's Input Hypothesis, acquisition occurs when learners are exposed to language that is:
- Slightly beyond their current competence (i+1) (Correct answer)
- Far above their current level to challenge them maximally
- Exactly at their current proficiency level
- Slightly below their current level for confidence building
Correct answer: Slightly beyond their current competence (i+1)
Krashen argued that comprehensible input one step above the learner's current level (i+1) drives acquisition.
Question 2: A teacher using the Lexical Approach would most likely focus lessons on:
- Chunks, collocations, and multi-word units rather than isolated grammar rules (Correct answer)
- Phonemic drills and pronunciation accuracy
- Discrete grammar points presented in a fixed sequence
- Translating literary texts from the learners' first language
Correct answer: Chunks, collocations, and multi-word units rather than isolated grammar rules
Michael Lewis's Lexical Approach treats lexical chunks as the building blocks of language rather than grammar structures.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes 'focus on form' in communicative teaching?
- Drawing attention to linguistic features during meaning-focused activities (Correct answer)
- Teaching grammar rules before any communicative practice
- Avoiding all grammar instruction in favor of natural exposure
- Correcting every grammatical error in student output
Correct answer: Drawing attention to linguistic features during meaning-focused activities
Focus on form involves briefly attending to linguistic form during primarily communicative lessons rather than explicit pre-teaching.
Question 4: In Content-Based Instruction, the primary vehicle for language learning is:
- Academic or subject-matter content taught through the target language (Correct answer)
- Structured conversation drills based on everyday topics
- Explicit metalinguistic analysis of grammar rules
- Memorization of vocabulary lists organized by theme
Correct answer: Academic or subject-matter content taught through the target language
CBI integrates language learning with content learning so that subject matter is both the medium and the goal.
Question 5: What distinguishes 'strong' CLT from 'weak' CLT?
- Strong CLT uses only communication tasks with no grammar focus; weak CLT incorporates some explicit instruction (Correct answer)
- Strong CLT uses grammar-translation; weak CLT uses audiolingualism
- Strong CLT targets advanced learners; weak CLT targets beginners
- Strong CLT requires L1 use; weak CLT prohibits the mother tongue
Correct answer: Strong CLT uses only communication tasks with no grammar focus; weak CLT incorporates some explicit instruction
Howatt's distinction: weak CLT uses communicative activities alongside explicit instruction, while strong CLT treats communication as the sole means of learning.
Question 6: A teacher tells students, 'Stand up when you hear a verb in the past tense.' This technique is most associated with:
- Total Physical Response (Correct answer)
- Suggestopedia
- Community Language Learning
- The Lexical Approach
Correct answer: Total Physical Response
TPR, developed by James Asher, links language input to physical commands to lower anxiety and aid retention.
Question 7: Which concept describes a learner's self-imposed barrier to language acquisition due to fear of embarrassment?
- The Affective Filter (Correct answer)
- The Monitor Hypothesis
- The Input Hypothesis
- The Natural Order Hypothesis
Correct answer: The Affective Filter
Krashen's Affective Filter Hypothesis posits that high anxiety, low motivation, or low self-confidence block acquisition.
TEFL Teaching Methodologies and Approaches 3
According to Krashen's Input Hypothesis, acquisition occurs when learners are exposed to language that is: