TESL Teaching Methodologies and Approaches 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does CLT stand for in the context of English language teaching?
- Communicative Language Teaching (Correct answer)
- Classroom Learning Techniques
- Content-Led Terminology
- Cultural Literacy Training
Correct answer: Communicative Language Teaching
CLT stands for Communicative Language Teaching, an approach that emphasizes using language for real communication over rote grammar study.
Question 2: Which teaching method uses physical actions in response to verbal commands as its core technique?
- Suggestopedia
- The Silent Way
- Total Physical Response (TPR) (Correct answer)
- Audio-Lingual Method
Correct answer: Total Physical Response (TPR)
TPR, developed by James Asher, teaches language by having learners physically respond to commands, making it especially effective for beginners and young learners.
Question 3: The Audio-Lingual Method is primarily grounded in which learning theory?
- Constructivism
- Behaviorism (Correct answer)
- Cognitivism
- Humanism
Correct answer: Behaviorism
The Audio-Lingual Method is based on behaviorism, relying on drills and pattern repetition to form language habits through stimulus-response reinforcement.
Question 4: What is the primary goal of Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT)?
- Mastery of grammatical rules before speaking
- Translation accuracy between languages
- Completing meaningful real-world tasks using the target language (Correct answer)
- Memorization of vocabulary lists
Correct answer: Completing meaningful real-world tasks using the target language
TBLT focuses on learners using language to complete meaningful, real-world tasks, making authentic communication the central objective rather than isolated language forms.
Question 5: Which language teaching approach is most directly associated with Stephen Krashen's Input Hypothesis?
- Grammar-Translation Method
- Natural Approach (Correct answer)
- Audio-Lingual Method
- Silent Way
Correct answer: Natural Approach
The Natural Approach, co-developed by Krashen and Terrell, is directly based on Krashen's Input Hypothesis (i+1) and emphasizes comprehensible input over explicit grammar instruction.
Question 6: In Content-Based Instruction (CBI), English language learning is integrated with what?
- Grammar drills and pattern practice
- Subject matter content such as science or social studies (Correct answer)
- Native language translation exercises
- Standardized test preparation
Correct answer: Subject matter content such as science or social studies
CBI integrates English language learning with academic subject matter content, so students learn language while studying meaningful content in other disciplines.
Question 7: What is the defining characteristic of the Silent Way method, developed by Caleb Gattegno?
- Extensive use of native language translation
- Heavy reliance on audio recordings and repetition
- The teacher remains largely silent to encourage student discovery and autonomy (Correct answer)
- Emphasis on memorizing scripted dialogues
Correct answer: The teacher remains largely silent to encourage student discovery and autonomy
In the Silent Way, the teacher remains largely silent to foster learner autonomy and self-correction, using colored rods and charts instead of verbal explanation.
TESL Teaching Methodologies and Approaches 1
What does CLT stand for in the context of English language teaching?