TESL Teaching Methodologies and Approaches 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Suggestopedia, developed by Georgi Lozanov, is best known for using which element to facilitate language acquisition?
- Physical movement and gesture-based commands
- Music and relaxation techniques to lower anxiety (Correct answer)
- Systematic native language comparison
- Intensive grammar drilling and error correction
Correct answer: Music and relaxation techniques to lower anxiety
Suggestopedia uses baroque music, a comfortable classroom environment, and relaxation to lower anxiety and create an optimal mental state for language learning.
Question 2: What does 'scaffolding' mean in the context of language teaching?
- Teaching grammar rules in complete isolation from meaning
- Providing structured support that is gradually withdrawn as learner proficiency increases (Correct answer)
- Building vocabulary through rote memorization lists
- Testing students formally after each instructional unit
Correct answer: Providing structured support that is gradually withdrawn as learner proficiency increases
Scaffolding refers to temporary instructional support structures that help learners perform tasks beyond their current independent ability, gradually removed as competence grows.
Question 3: The Grammar-Translation Method was originally designed primarily for which educational purpose?
- Developing spoken fluency and oral communication
- Reading and translating classical literary texts (Correct answer)
- Building listening comprehension skills
- Facilitating intercultural communication
Correct answer: Reading and translating classical literary texts
The Grammar-Translation Method was developed to teach students to read and translate classical literary works, emphasizing grammatical rules and written accuracy over spoken language.
Question 4: What is the 'affective filter' in Krashen's theory of Second Language Acquisition?
- A mechanism that selects which grammar rules to teach first
- A vocabulary selection process based on frequency
- An emotional barrier that blocks language acquisition when anxiety or stress is high (Correct answer)
- A method for filtering age-appropriate content for learners
Correct answer: An emotional barrier that blocks language acquisition when anxiety or stress is high
The affective filter is a metaphorical emotional barrier that, when raised by anxiety, low motivation, or poor self-esteem, prevents comprehensible input from being acquired.
Question 5: How does the Communicative Approach generally view language errors made by learners?
- Errors must be corrected immediately to prevent fossilization
- Errors are unacceptable and indicate the student needs remedial grammar work
- Errors are a natural part of learning and should be used as teaching opportunities (Correct answer)
- Errors show that the teacher has failed to present grammar correctly
Correct answer: Errors are a natural part of learning and should be used as teaching opportunities
The Communicative Approach views errors as an inevitable and natural part of language development, prioritizing meaning and fluency while treating errors as learning opportunities.
Question 6: What is the main principle behind the Direct Method in English language teaching?
- Translation between L1 and L2 is the central activity
- Language is taught exclusively in the target language without any translation (Correct answer)
- Grammar rules are explicitly presented and drilled before conversation
- Students read extensively in the target language as the primary activity
Correct answer: Language is taught exclusively in the target language without any translation
The Direct Method teaches language entirely through the target language, creating direct associations between language and meaning without using the learners' native language.
Question 7: In cooperative language learning, what is the primary structural feature that distinguishes it from traditional instruction?
- Students compete individually for grades and recognition
- Instruction is entirely teacher-centered and lecture-based
- Students work together in small groups toward shared language learning goals (Correct answer)
- Learners work in complete silence on independent tasks
Correct answer: Students work together in small groups toward shared language learning goals
Cooperative language learning organizes students into small groups with shared goals, promoting both language practice and collaborative skills simultaneously.
TESL Teaching Methodologies and Approaches 2
Suggestopedia, developed by Georgi Lozanov, is best known for using which element to facilitate language acquisition?