What is a language learning approach?

What is a language learning approach?

Definition
	A language learning approach consists of the following three elements:
	views about the nature of language beliefs about language learning, and ideas about how the above should be applied practically to language learning and teaching.

Examples
	Richard and Rogers (1986) cite the following examples of approaches:
	The Oral Approach The Structural Approach The Natural Approach

What is a language learning method?

Definition
	A language learning method is an overall plan for learning a second language, based on the theoretical approach selected. It involves the design of a syllabus for the course, which in turn consists of learning objectives and techniques for achieving those objectives.

Discussion
	There is often confusion among the terms,approach , method, and technique. These three terms may be viewed as points along a continuum from the theoretical (approach), in which basic beliefs about language and learning are considered, to design (method) in which a practical plan for teaching (or learning) a language is considered, to the details (technique) where the actual learning activity takes place.
	Some language learning courses use basically only one technique. These courses could be said to be based on methods such as the Language Learning Cycle, Total Physical Response, or Suggestopedia. More commonly these days a variety of techniques are combined, so the term method is not used in the same sense. Furthermore, some people use the term method interchangeably with technique.

Examples
	The following are examples of language learning methods:
	The Language Learning Cycle Total Physical Response Suggestopedia Counseling Learning Direct Method

What is a language learning technique? Definition
	A language-learning technique is an explicit procedure or strategem used to accomplish a particular learning objective or set of objectives.

Index of techniques

Techniques for improving pronunciation

Techniques for developing grammatical accuracy

Index to grammatical structures you can learn through comprehension techniques

Techniques for building vocabulary

Techniques for learning discourse structures

Techniques for practicing communicative functions

Techniques for learning appropriate varieties

Techniques for learning interactional skills

Techniques for building cultural understanding

Techniques for self-directed language learners

The Comprehension Building techniques

The Audio Archive technique

The Look and Listen techniques

The Illustrated Dictionary or Picture Book technique

Example: The Illustrated Dictionary or Picture Book technique

The Photo Book technique

The Picture Book Plus Recordings technique

The Picture Cues technique

Example: The Picture Cues technique

The Picture Descriptions technique

Example: The Picture Descriptions technique

The Dialogue Strip technique

Example: Illustrating a greeting exchange

The Physical Response techniques

The Listen and Do technique

Example: How to use the Listen and Do technique

The Following Spoken Directions technique

Example: Following Spoken Directions

Introducing and Expanding Material

The Predictable Text techniques

The Bilingual Reading technique

Example: The Bilingual Reading technique

The Familiar Stories technique

Example: The Familiar Stories technique

The Shared Experiences technique

Example: The Shared Experiences technique

The Dumb-Smart Question technique

Example: The Dumb-Smart Question technique

The Culture Exploration techniques

The Interview techniques