What is ELT (English Language Teaching)?
ELT means the process of teaching English to those whose first language is not English.
It includes methods, approaches, theories, and tools used to teach reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English.
🌱 1. Origin & Development of ELT
| Period | Key Idea | Major Thinkers / Theories |
|---|---|---|
| Grammar-Translation Period (18th–19th century) | Focused on grammar rules, translation, and memorization. | Latin & Greek influence |
| Direct Method (early 20th century) | Teach through speaking only, no translation, focus on everyday vocabulary. | Berlitz Schools |
| Audio-Lingual Method (1940s–1960s) | Based on habit formation and repetition drills. | B.F. Skinner (Behaviorism) |
| Communicative Approach (1970s–1980s) | Focus on communication and meaning, not just grammar. | Dell Hymes, Noam Chomsky |
| Post-Communicative Period (1990s–Now) | Combination of techniques — learner-centered, task-based, digital learning. | Nunan, Krashen, Larsen-Freeman |
📘 2. Important ELT Approaches & Methods
(a) Grammar Translation Method (GTM)
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Oldest and most traditional.
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Grammar rules + translation between native & English language.
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Focus: Reading & Writing (not speaking/listening).
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Teacher-centered.
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❌ Weakness: No fluency in communication.
(b) Direct Method
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No translation; all teaching in English.
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Focus: Speaking & Listening.
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Use of visual aids (pictures, objects).
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✅ Builds fluency.
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❌ Hard for beginners.
(c) Audio-Lingual Method
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Based on Behaviorism → language learning through repetition & drills.
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“Practice makes perfect.”
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Dialogues & pattern practice.
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❌ Doesn’t focus on creativity or meaning.
(d) Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)
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Most popular today.
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Goal: Communicative Competence (Hymes).
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Emphasizes real-life conversation, role play, pair work, group activities.
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✅ Focus on fluency over accuracy.
(e) Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT)
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Students learn language by doing real-world tasks.
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Ex: planning a trip, making a presentation, writing an email.
(f) Silent Way
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Teacher is mostly silent; students discover rules themselves.
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Uses Cuisenaire rods (colored sticks).
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Promotes learner independence.
(g) Suggestopedia
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Created by Georgi Lozanov.
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Uses music, relaxation, and positive atmosphere.
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Aim: remove psychological barriers in learning.
(h) Total Physical Response (TPR)
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Developed by James Asher.
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Students respond physically to commands (e.g., “Stand up”, “Run”).
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Best for beginners or children.
(i) Natural Approach
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Developed by Stephen Krashen and Tracy Terrell.
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Focus: Comprehensible input.
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Learners acquire language naturally without pressure to speak early.
No. Method / Approach Introduced by / Developed by Time Period Key Features Focus 1 Grammar-Translation Method (GTM) Traditional (Latin & Greek teaching influence) 18th–19th century Grammar rules, translation, memorization, written exercises Reading & Writing 2 Direct Method (Natural Method) Introduced by Charles Berlitz Late 19th – early 20th century No translation; only target language; conversation-based learning; uses real objects Speaking & Listening 3 Audio-Lingual Method (ALM) Based on Behaviorist theory by B.F. Skinner; developed during World War II for U.S. army training 1940s–1960s Repetition drills, dialogues, habit formation, teacher-centered Pronunciation, Listening, Speaking 4 Situational Language Teaching (SLT) British linguists: A.S. Hornby, Harold Palmer, Michael West 1940s–1950s Teaching new language in real-life “situations”; use of context Vocabulary & Sentence patterns 5 Structural Approach Developed by Charles C. Fries and Bloomfield’s Structural Linguistics 1950s Language as structure (patterns); focus on sentence formation Structure & Accuracy 6 Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) Developed from ideas of Dell Hymes (Communicative Competence) and Noam Chomsky (Competence vs Performance) 1970s Use of language for real communication; interaction; meaning > form Fluency, Interaction, Meaning 7 Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) Prabhu (India, Bangalore Project); later popularized by David Nunan 1980s–1990s Learn language through completing meaningful tasks (e.g., making plans, solving problems) Communication via Tasks 8 Natural Approach Stephen Krashen & Tracy Terrell 1983 Focus on natural acquisition, not forced learning; use of comprehensible input Understanding & Acquisition 9 Silent Way Caleb Gattegno 1960s Teacher speaks very little; learners discover rules; uses Cuisenaire rods & color charts Learner independence 10 Suggestopedia Georgi Lozanov (Bulgarian psychologist) 1970s Uses music, relaxation, and positive environment; lowers anxiety Relaxed learning & memory 11 Total Physical Response (TPR) James Asher 1960s Students respond to commands with physical actions (e.g., “Stand up”) Listening & Action-based learning 12 Lexical Approach Michael Lewis 1993 Focus on vocabulary chunks and collocations, not grammar Vocabulary in context 13 Content-Based Instruction (CBI) Developed in U.S. & Canada (for ESL learners) 1980s Teaching language through academic subjects or content Learning through subject matter 14 Community Language Learning (CLL) Charles Curran 1970s Teacher = counselor; students = clients; group learning Confidence & Cooperation 15 Eclectic Approach — (Combination of methods) Modern period (1990s–Present) Use of various methods depending on learner needs Flexibility & Adaptability 16 Blended Learning Approach — (Modern digital teaching) 2000s onwards Combines classroom + online learning; technology-based Digital & Interactive learning
🧠 Summary
Method Key Idea (1-line memory tip) Grammar-Translation Translate + memorize grammar Direct Method Speak only English, no translation Audio-Lingual Drill & repeat → habit formation Situational Teaching Teach language in real-life situations Structural Approach Focus on patterns & sentence structure Communicative Talk for meaning, not grammar perfection Task-Based Learn by doing real-world tasks Natural Approach Understand before speaking Silent Way Teacher silent, student active Suggestopedia Learn with music & relaxation TPR Learn with physical actions Lexical Approach Learn chunks, not grammar CBI Learn English through subjects CLL Teacher as counselor Eclectic Mix of methods Blended Online + Offline teaching
| Method | Key Idea (1-line memory tip) |
|---|---|
| Grammar-Translation | Translate + memorize grammar |
| Direct Method | Speak only English, no translation |
| Audio-Lingual | Drill & repeat → habit formation |
| Situational Teaching | Teach language in real-life situations |
| Structural Approach | Focus on patterns & sentence structure |
| Communicative | Talk for meaning, not grammar perfection |
| Task-Based | Learn by doing real-world tasks |
| Natural Approach | Understand before speaking |
| Silent Way | Teacher silent, student active |
| Suggestopedia | Learn with music & relaxation |
| TPR | Learn with physical actions |
| Lexical Approach | Learn chunks, not grammar |
| CBI | Learn English through subjects |
| CLL | Teacher as counselor |
| Eclectic | Mix of methods |
| Blended | Online + Offline teaching |
🧠 3. Key Theorists and Concepts
| Theorist | Concept | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Noam Chomsky | Competence vs. Performance | Knowing the rules vs. actually using them. |
| Dell Hymes | Communicative Competence | Ability to use language correctly & appropriately. |
| Stephen Krashen | Input Hypothesis | We learn when we understand language input slightly above our level (i+1). |
| B.F. Skinner | Behaviorism | Learning by imitation and reinforcement. |
| Lev Vygotsky | Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) | Learning happens with help from teachers or peers. |
| David Nunan | Task-Based Learning | Language is learned by completing meaningful tasks. |
| No. | Theorist | Concept / Theory | Main Idea (in simple words) | Impact on ELT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Noam Chomsky (American linguist) | Competence vs. Performance (1965) | • Competence: Knowledge of language (grammar in mind).• Performance: Actual use of language in real situations. | Shifted focus from memorization to understanding grammar rules and language creativity. Basis for Communicative Approach. |
| 2 | Dell Hymes (Sociolinguist) | Communicative Competence (1972) | Knowing how and when to use language appropriately in context. | Foundation of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT). |
| 3 | B.F. Skinner (Behaviorist psychologist) | Behaviorism / Operant Conditioning (1957 – Verbal Behavior) | Language learning = habit formation through stimulus → response → reinforcement. | Gave rise to Audio-Lingual Method (drills & repetition). |
| 4 | Stephen Krashen | Monitor Model / Input Hypothesis (1980s) | Five main ideas: 1️⃣ Acquisition vs. Learning 2️⃣ Natural Order Hypothesis 3️⃣ Monitor Hypothesis 4️⃣ Input Hypothesis (i+1 = slightly above learner’s level) 5️⃣ Affective Filter (low anxiety helps learning) | Basis of Natural Approach & Comprehensible Input theory. |
| 5 | Lev Vygotsky (Russian psychologist) | Sociocultural Theory / Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) (1930s) | Learners develop language better with help from peers or teacher (social interaction). | Supports Collaborative & Task-Based Learning. |
| 6 | Jean Piaget (Cognitive psychologist) | Constructivism / Cognitive Development Theory | Learners build knowledge through experience; language helps thinking. | Encouraged learner-centered teaching. |
| 7 | David Nunan | Task-Based Learning Theory (1980s–1990s) | Language is learned best by doing tasks (e.g., problem-solving, projects). | Developed Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT). |
| 8 | Michael Halliday | Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) | Language functions according to context (ideational, interpersonal, textual). | Influenced Functional Syllabuses and Communicative Teaching. |
| 9 | James Asher | Total Physical Response (TPR) (1960s) | Language learning through physical actions — listen and act. | Used widely in early language teaching and ESL classes. |
| 10 | Georgi Lozanov | Suggestopedia (1970s) | Relaxed environment + music helps learners remember better. | Promoted affective (emotional) side of language learning. |
| 11 | Caleb Gattegno | Silent Way (1960s) | Teacher speaks very little; students explore language themselves. | Encouraged learner autonomy and discovery learning. |
| 12 | Charles Curran | Community Language Learning (CLL) (1970s) | Teacher = counselor; students = clients; builds confidence through group learning. | Helped develop humanistic language teaching. |
| 13 | Michael Lewis | Lexical Approach (1993) | Language is made of chunks or collocations (not just grammar). | Vocabulary teaching became central in ELT. |
| 14 | Jerome Bruner | Discovery Learning / Scaffolding | Learning happens best when learners discover patterns with teacher support. | Influenced communicative and constructivist methods. |
| 15 | Jim Cummins | BICS & CALP (1980s) | • BICS: Basic conversational skills.• CALP: Academic language skills. | Helped teachers understand why some learners speak fluently but struggle academically. |
| 16 | John Dewey | Experiential Learning (Early 20th century) | Learn by doing; experience is the base of learning. | Influenced Task-Based & Project-Based approaches. |
| 17 | Wilga Rivers | Interactive View of Language Learning | Communication is both receptive and productive; involves interaction. | Strengthened Communicative Approach. |
| 18 | H. Douglas Brown | Principles of Language Learning and Teaching (1980s) | Summarized theories from behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism. | Helped integrate theories into ELT classroom practice. |
| 19 | Henry Widdowson | Communicative Teaching Theory (1978) | Emphasized language use rather than language form. | One of the founders of CLT. |
| 20 | Rod Ellis | Second Language Acquisition (SLA) Theories | Explained how learners acquire L2 through input, interaction, and feedback. | Used in TESOL and Applied Linguistics teaching. |
| Theory Type | Main Theorists | Key Idea | Related ELT Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Behaviorism | B.F. Skinner | Habit formation through repetition & reinforcement | Audio-Lingual Method |
| Cognitivism | Piaget, Bruner | Learning as mental process; understanding rules | Cognitive / Structural Approaches |
| Constructivism | Vygotsky, Dewey | Learner builds knowledge through experience | Task-Based, Discovery Learning |
| Humanism | Curran, Lozanov, Gattegno | Learner emotions & motivation are central | CLL, Suggestopedia, Silent Way |
| Communicative / Functionalism | Hymes, Halliday, Widdowson | Use language for real-life communication | CLT, Functional Syllabuses |
| Naturalism | Krashen, Terrell | Language acquired naturally through input | Natural Approach |
| Lexical / Vocabulary-based | Michael Lewis | Language = chunks & collocations | Lexical Approach |
🗣️ 4. Language Skills in ELT
There are four core skills:
| Skill Type | Skills | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Receptive | Listening & Reading | Understanding spoken or written English. |
| Productive | Speaking & Writing | Producing language orally or in text. |
🎯 5. ELT in India
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ELT introduced during British rule (Macaulay’s Minute 1835).
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Today, India follows Communicative English approach in schools.
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Major institutes: Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages (CIEFL) → now EFLU (Hyderabad).
💻 6. Modern Trends in ELT
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Blended learning (Online + Classroom)
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Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL)
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Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL)
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Flipped classroom (students learn online before class)
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Use of AI, Chatbots, and YouTube for self-learning.
📜 7. ELT-related Terms (Important for NET)
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| L1 | Mother tongue |
| L2 | Second language |
| ESL | English as a Second Language |
| EFL | English as a Foreign Language |
| ESP | English for Specific Purposes (e.g., Business English) |
| ELT | English Language Teaching |
| TESOL | Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages |
| TEFL | Teaching English as a Foreign Language |
| BICS / CALP | Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills / Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (by Cummins) |
🧾 8. Quick Summary Chart
| Method | Focus | Key Idea | Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grammar-Translation | Grammar | Translation & Reading | No speaking fluency |
| Direct | Speech | No translation, only English | Hard for beginners |
| Audio-Lingual | Repetition | Habit formation | No creativity |
| Communicative | Fluency | Real-life communication | Grammar may be weak |
| Task-Based | Tasks | Learn by doing | Needs planning |
| TPR | Actions | Physical response | Not for advanced levels |
🧩 9. Expected NET Questions Example
1️⃣ Who developed the Communicative Competence theory?
👉 Dell Hymes
2️⃣ The Audio-Lingual Method is based on which theory?
👉 Behaviorism
3️⃣ “Input Hypothesis” was given by —
👉 Stephen Krashen
4️⃣ The use of “Cuisenaire rods” is a feature of —
👉 Silent Way
5️⃣ Suggestopedia was developed by —
👉 Georgi Lozanov
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