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Fringe Methods

The document provides an overview of several fringe language teaching methods: Suggestopedia, The Silent Way, Community Language Learning (CLL), Total Physical Response (TPR), and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Each method is described briefly, outlining key features and examples. The document concludes by asking readers to consider how elements of these methods could be incorporated into their own teaching and to discuss advantages and disadvantages of each with a partner.

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EstherRachelThomas
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469 views

Fringe Methods

The document provides an overview of several fringe language teaching methods: Suggestopedia, The Silent Way, Community Language Learning (CLL), Total Physical Response (TPR), and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Each method is described briefly, outlining key features and examples. The document concludes by asking readers to consider how elements of these methods could be incorporated into their own teaching and to discuss advantages and disadvantages of each with a partner.

Uploaded by

EstherRachelThomas
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Fringe Methods

An Overview

Suggestopedia

Developed by George Lozanov in 1978

Emphasises the affective side of learning (learners learn better when in a relaxed, comfortable state

Typical features: Comfy seating, parent-child relationship with trainer, dim lighting, music, use of
dialogue

At the beginning of the session, all conversation stops for a minute or two, and the teacher listens to
the music coming from a tape-recorder. He waits and listens to several passages in order to enter into
the mood of the music and then begins to read or recite the new text, his voice modulated in harmony
with the musical phrases. The students follow the text in their text-books where each lesson is translated
into the mother tongue. Between the first and second part of the concert, there are several minutes of
solemn silence. In some cases, even longer phrases can be given to permit the students to stir a little.
Before the beginning of the second part of the concert, there are again several minute of silence and
some phrases of the music are heard again before the teacher begins to read the text. Now the
students close their textbooks and listen to the teachers reading. At the end, the students silently leave
the room. They are not told to do any homework on the lesson they have just had except for reading it
cursorily once before going to bed and again before getting up in the morning. (Lozanov, 1978: 272)

The Silent Way

Developed by Caleb Gattegno

Learning is facilitated if the learner discovers or creates rather than remembers or


repeats (learning is problem solving)

Typical features: Cuisenaire Rods, Fidel Charts, very little modelling from teacher,
repetition and encouragement within the group

Learning tasks and activities in the Silent Way have the function of encouraging
and shaping student oral resoonse without direct oral instruction from or
unnecessary modelling by the teacher. Learners are expected to develop
independence, autonomy, and responsibility. The absence of explanations requires
learners to make generalisations, come to their own conclusions, and formulate
whatever rules they themselves feel they need. Learners have only themselves as
individuals and the group to rely on, and so must learn to work cooperatively rather
than competitively. They need to feel comfortable both correcting one another and
being corrected by one another. (Richards and Rogers, 2001)

Community Language
Learning

Developed by Charles Curran (a counsellor)

Teacher = counsellor, learners = clients

Typical features: learners sit in circle, whispered translations,


group reflections, free conversation

CLL places unusual demands on language teachers. They must


be highly proficient and sensitive to nuance in both L1 and L2.
They must be familiar withpsychological counselling. They must
resist the pressure to teach in the traditional sensesThe
teacher must operate without traditional materials, depending on
student topics to shape and motivate the class. (Richards and
Rogers, 2001)

Total Physical Response

Developed by James Asher in the 70s (who stressed it should


be used alongside other techniques)

Reflects a grammar-based view of language taught through the


use of motor skills

Learners are primarily listeners and performers

Most typical activity: imperative drill

The teacher has the responsibility of providing the best kind of


exposure to language so that the learner can internalise the
basic roles of the target language. (Richards and Rogers, 2001)

Neuro-Linguistic
Programming

Developed by Bandler and Grindler in the 70s

NLP is a set of general communication techniques

Typical features: Guided meditation, reflection, VAKOG activities,


awareness-raising of mind and body

The neuro part of NLP is concerned with how we experience the


world through our five senses The linguistic part of NLP is
concerned with the way the language we use shapes, as well as
reflects, our experience of the worldThe programming part of
NLP is concerned with training ourselves to think, speak, and act
in new and positive ways in order to release our
potential. (Revell and Norman 1997: 14)

Today: An Eclectic
Approach?

How did you find the exercises in todays session?

Have you ever used elements of these fringe


methods in your lessons?

How could you incorporate elements of these


methods into your lessons? With a partner, think of
one exercise you could use for each method.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of


each method? Make a list with your partner.

Pros and Cons:


Suggestopedia
Advantages

Disadvantages

Lowers affective filter

Esther Thomas 2015, adapted from an unknown source

Pros and Cons:


The Silent Way
Advantages

Disadvantages

Encourages collaborative learning

Esther Thomas 2015, adapted from an unknown source

Pros and Cons: CLL


Advantages

Disadvantages

Includes outside experiences

Esther Thomas 2015, adapted from an unknown source

Pros and Cons: TPR


Advantages

Disadvantages

Caters to kinaesthetic learners

Esther Thomas 2015, adapted from an unknown source

Pros and Cons: NLP


Advantages

Disadvantages

Considers learning styles

Esther Thomas 2015, adapted from an unknown source

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