ELT 213: Approaches in English Language Teaching
In the ever-evolving landscape of English Language Teaching (ELT), educators are constantly seeking innovative ways to
enhance learning experiences and outcomes. This dynamic field is shaped by current trends, addresses unique challenges, and adopts
best practices to create effective and engaging language instruction. By understanding and implementing these elements, educators can
better equip their students with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate a globalized world. The following sections delve into the
current trends, challenges, and best practices in ELT, providing valuable insights and practical applications for the classroom.
Category Examples Details Classroom Application
Utilizing smartphones and tablets to Use language learning apps like Duolingo
1. Mobile-Assisted Language
facilitate language practice and or Memrise to supplement vocabulary
Learning (MALL) learning on the go. learning.
Incorporating game design elements Design a vocabulary review game where
like points, badges, and leaderboards students earn points and unlock levels as
2. Gamification to make language learning more they master new terms.
engaging and motivating.
Using platforms like Google Docs,
Have students collaboratively write a short
shared whiteboards, and video
story using a shared Google Doc,
3. Online Collaboration Tools conferencing to facilitate providing peer feedback and editing in
collaborative projects and
Current Trends in real-time.
communication.
English Language
Students formulate their own
Teaching Start a unit by posing open-ended
questions and explore topics in a
4. Inquiry-Based Learning: student-centered learning questions and allowing students to guide
what they want to investigate further.
environment, increasing motivation.
Students provide constructive
Have students exchange drafts and provide
feedback to each other, fostering
5. Peer Feedback collaborative learning and critical
peer feedback based on specific
grammatical and content criteria.
thinking.
Include specific pronunciation drills that
Explicitly addressing pronunciation focus on common challenges for learners,
6. Pronunciation Focus skills, moving beyond simply such as vowel sounds or intonation
grammar and vocabulary. patterns.
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Category Examples Details Classroom Application
Integrating the understanding of Discuss a photo, focusing on elements like
7. Visual Literacy images, videos, and graphics as texts composition, symbolism, and the message
that communicate meaning. it conveys.
Have students research and present on a
Students engage in real-world
8. Project-Based Learning topic related to their community, requiring
projects to apply their language skills
(PBL) them to practice both speaking and
and develop critical thinking.
research skills.
Using digital media to create and Students create digital stories with voice-
9. Digital Storytelling share engaging narratives over, text, and visuals.
Students learn concepts at home and Students engage in video or reading
10. Flipped Classroom use class time for application and materials as homework; complete exercises
practice. and activities in class.
Varying motivation can lead to Incorporate student interests into lessons to
1. Motivation Levels inconsistent effort and achievement spark enthusiasm and relevance.
Establish a clear set of classroom rules and
Distractions can hinder learning for
2. Classroom Disruptions consequences that promote a focused
the entire class.
learning environment.
Utilize explicit grammar instruction paired
Complex grammatical rules can
3. Grammar Confusion overwhelm students.
with practical exercises to reinforce
concepts.
Use vocabulary flashcards and word walls
4. Limited Vocabulary Students often struggle with a limited
Challenges in English to regularly introduce new words in
Exposure vocabulary base.
Language Teaching context.
Create a low-stakes testing environment
Students may experience anxiety
5. Test Anxiety during assessments.
with frequent low-pressure quizzes to help
alleviate anxiety.
Supplement textbooks with multimedia
Textbook-bound lessons can become
6. Overreliance on Textbooks monotonous. resources to diversify teaching methods
and engage students.
Excessive focus on grammar rules Balance grammar instruction with
7. Grammar Translation
can overshadow communicative communicative activities and role-plays to
Approach practices promote real-world application.
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Category Examples Details Classroom Application
Break lessons down into small,
Too much information at once can
8. Cognitive Overload lead to confusion.
manageable parts and incorporate frequent
reviews to aid retention.
Allow for flexibility within the curriculum
Fixed curricula can restrict creativity
9. Inflexible Curriculum where students’ interests can shape lesson
and spontaneity in teaching.
topics.
Implement peer feedback sessions where
Students may perceive feedback as
10. Feedback Inequality unevenly distributed by the teacher.
students provide constructive critiques on
each other's work.
Assign weekly learning logs where
Encourage learners to monitor their
1. Promote Self-Reflection students reflect on their challenges and
own progress
achievements.
Design information gap activities requiring
2. Create Opportunities for
Facilitate pair and group work. students to communicate to complete the
Interaction task.
Connect reading, writing, listening, After reading a short story, ask students to
3. Integrate Skills and speaking activities. discuss the themes in small groups.
Offer support that gradually decreases
4. Provide Scaffolding as learners improve.
Begin essay writing with guided outlines.
Best Practices in English
Language Teaching Practice grammar in fun and Use a grammar bingo or a jeopardy based
5. Incorporate Games engaging ways. game.
6. Incorporate Mnemonic Use techniques to aid memory of new Use keywords and visuals for remembering
Devices words. words.
Use videos and podcasts to enhance
7. Utilize Multimedia listening.
Find engaging videos to start a lesson.
Use wit and funny stories to create a Use relatable memes to introduce grammar
8. Incorporate Humor relaxed atmosphere. points.
9. Provide Timely Feedback Give students feedback promptly. Return graded quizzes within a week.
10. Encourage Respectful Create space for students to ask Encourage respectful discussions and
Inquiry questions. debate
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Prepared by:
Charo Mae C. Bucol
Student
Submitted to:
Edgar R. Eslit, Ph.D., CSASS
Professor
