Approach in Language Teaching By Maria Eugenia Navarro

I consider that the approach in language teaching is very essential in order to define the process of the classes and to implement the didactics and all the instructional materials necessaries in the teaching process of a second language. Besides, if we as a teacher have a clear approach and all the materials are designed following that approach so it will be easier to define the activities in order to achieve the goal. The importance of designing good materials according to the approach we are using in our classes is that they will help us to develop the best techniques, methods, extracurricular activities, reinforces and even assessments to complement our teaching process.

For example, if I am using the natural approach I would use real conversations or elements from the environment, I will also design flashcards, games, videos in order to make more comprehensible the target language. For the TPR approach I will use body gestures, movements, songs and pictures to make the students understand what I am trying to teach them. For the community approach I will focus more on interaction between teacher-students, students-students something like A,B dialogues, conversations, etc.

The implementation of teaching materials is a key element when it comes to make the learning process not only easier, but also enjoyable, unforgettable and lasting. Teaching materials are a great way to show in a practical manner the knowledge a teacher wants to convey, and also why it is important, how it can be used and when it is suitable and relevant. They also help students relate the reality with the knowledge they are acquiring so that they can use it in a specific context.

The English language teachers should be aware of the implementation of excellent materials according to the language ability and needs because students are not the same in terms of language backgrounds and learning abilities. It is usually necessary for the teacher to evaluate and adapt the materials according to the class and language ability to be worked.

Materials according to the language abilities to be taught or learned allow developing communicative skills needed to understand and communicate ideas of a subject in an easy way; also materials according to the language ability can develop the specialized language and vocabulary relevant to the subject.