A Search for the Best Language Teaching Method: A Wild Goose Chase or an Achievable Dream?
Israel Muvindi
Innocent Madziko
Lazarus Dokora
Joyce Zivanai
Rumbidzai Chakanyuka
Magret Runzonza
Charles Pfukwa
Allan Maganga
Munyaradzi Sagiya
Chido Ndoro
Theodorah Maduke
Abstract
The paper interrogated the debate on the search for the best method in teaching language. It clarified the confusion between an approach and a method by establishing that an approach gives birth to a method, though a number of educationists use them interchangeably. It went on to give a synopsis of the many methods ranging from the traditional Grammar Translation Method to controversial ones such as suggestopedia, as well as whole-language teaching, task-based language teaching, communicative approach and eclecticism. It went further to analyse the topical no-method approach, leading to the conclusion that this debate is generally ill-focused because the actual target should be the teacher who has the autonomy to merely facilitate the interaction of the pupils with the whole language web, that is, exposure to the language, overseen by an innovative teacher.