An approach describes the theory or philosophy underlying how a language should be
taught; a method or methodology describes, in general terms, a way of implementing
the approach (syllabus, progression, kinds of materials)
Differences between Approach, Method, Procedures and Techniques
Approach
An approach is a set of common assumptions about what language is and how it is
learned. It is the sum of our philosophy on both the theory of language and the theory of
learning. In other words, a language teaching approach explains:
(a) The nature of language,
(b) How knowledge of a language is acquired,
(c) And the conditions that encourage language acquisition.
Method
A method is a practical application of an approach. At the level of a method, a theory is
put into practice. It includes decisions about:
(a) The particular skills to be taught (LSRW),
(b) The roles of the teacher and the learner in language teaching and learning,
(c) The required procedures and techniques,
(d) The content to be taught,
(e) And the order in which the content will be presented.
0
