Modern vs. Classic

   For & against modern language teaching

      Language learning always existed in human history and can be traced to the Greek and Roman Eras. In the early stages of language learning theory, the focus was on language learning as an intellectual exercise, the study of classical literature in the target language and the study of grammatical rules and translation exercises. Translation teaches learners about language, but not how to use it. Translation does not help learners develop their communication skills. With the emphasis on communication, there is also the implication that spoken exchanges should be authentic and meaningful; detractors claim that the artificial nature of classroom–based. It focuses on accuracy versus fluency is one of the issues not often considered. The good thing about the communicative approach is that it makes students speak the language even at a beginner level and they are usually enthusiastic about this. One negative aspect that I can see (but I am Romanian and we're obsessed with grammar) is that the study of grammar is somewhat pushed to the side and pupils find it increasingly difficult to be aware of how a language works.

   These days, especially at private schools and language schools, we have great possibilities in what a teacher can do with his or her students, in terms of teaching methods, seating arrangement, visual aids, etc.  With this freedom in teaching, we have as well an enormous number of ideas to use in our classrooms.  It is up to us to choose the best method for our students.