which is the best method to teach a foreign language? (language methodology)?

Answer 1

The above poster is correct; input + 1 is the best way. The theory is that students need to hear it (input) in order to learn it. But in order to learn more they must have new things just 1 small step above what they know. This way they are able to figure out the meanings of things and after receiving enough input they are then able to produce output; that is speaking, writing and communicating back.
Without input the students cannot learn, because there is nothing. Most importantly, the input must be meaningful. To make it meaningful you must use words that they can understand and if necessary use visuals to help. The visuals are especially helpful for new words.

Answer 2

I teach a foreign language...and this methodology works very fine with me..i just never allow the students to speak except with the foreign language I am teaching...and i do the same too...I can use equipment , pics, facial expressions, body langauge , any thing available to me , but never speak except in the language I am teaching. and when they talk...it will be difficult for them in the beginning... they make mistakes ...and I correct and so on...until they become more fluent. and if they speak in their native language ..I pretend as if I don't understand...and make the student tries his or best to explain to me in the language I am teaching. but of course all of this is in a light atmosphere and I never embarrass any one or make fun of any student...we just turn everything into a big laugh in the end. I love teaching this way. FUN

Answer 3

TPRS Teaching Proficiency Through Reading and Storytelling

It is based on the theory of comprehensible input, Krashen's i + 1, etc.

The idea is to speak the language to the learner, but with judicious use of translation to make sure he understands, and uses stories so that each key grammatical/lexical structure can be repeated enough to be acquired by the learner rather than simply rote memory. That is, the stories give the teacher and learner something to talk about.

I thought it was a bunch a **** when I first heard about it, but after a number of workshops I became convinced enough to try units using it, and after the first year I became a TPRS teacher. My students used grammatical structures they had acquired through TPRS in November on the final exam in June, and did not use structures I had taught more traditionally (communicative competance, grammar drills, information gap activities, projects etc.) in May.

My favorite source of info is susangrosstprs.com, look for 'articles', and then the 'links' will get you to all the TPRS sites.

Answer 4

well, it's hard to say 'coz i think there isn't any best method to teach a foreign language...
to teach your students, of course you have to analyze your subject, which is children, adults, teenagers....
what's their interest, what's new or hot topic in the country or city and of course, you have to know their ability also...
if they have already good in using simple present, it's better just to skip the lesson and add more exercises in the parts that they aren't good at...
using methods in teaching every classes will always different....it also depends on the goal that you want to reach if your students are weak in listening, it wont be appropriate to use GTM method, etc...

Answer 5

There are schools which offer intensive courses--four to six hours a day in class, plus tons of homework. These schools are primarily for military or State Department personnel.

Answer 6

To live in the country which language you want to learn.

Answer 7

depends on the level: for beginners i would say communicative methods (focus on meaning). for advanced students, with no doubt, focus on forms methods. grammar translation is old fashion, but sometimes it works, too.