Approach, Method and Technique

What is the difference between an approach, a method and a technique?

“The arrangement is hierarchical. The organisational key is that techniques carry out a method which is consistent with an approach…

…An approach is a set of correlative assumptions dealing with the nature of language teaching and learning. ………………………. It describes the nature of the subject matter to be taught…

… A method is an overall plan for the orderly presentation of language material, no part of which contradicts, and all of which is based upon the selected approach. ………………………… a method is procedural. Within one approach, there can be methods…

… A technique is implementational – that which actually takes place in a classroom. It is a particular trick, stratagem or contrivance used to accomplish an immediate objective. Techniques must be consistent with a method and therefore in harmony with an approach.”

Edward Anthony 1963 – quoted in p.19, Richards, J. & Rodgers, T. Approaches & Methods in Language Teaching CUP 2001

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“An approach is an integrated set of theoretical and practical beliefs, embodying both syllabus and method. …it involves principles which… reflect the nature of language itself and the nature of learning. If syllabus is the what of language teaching, and method the how, approach is the why.”

Lewis, M The Lexical Approach LTP 1993