The Direct Method: In this method the teaching is done entirely in the target
language. The learner is not allowed to use his or her mother tongue. Grammar
rules are avoided and there is emphasis on good pronunciation.
Grammar-translation: Learning is largely by translation to and from the
target language. Grammar rules are to be memorized and long lists of vocabulary
learned by heart. There is little or no emphasis placed on developing oral ability.
Audio-lingual: The theory behind this method is that learning a language
means acquiring habits. There is much practice of dialogues of every situations.
New language is first heard and extensively drilled before being seen in its written
form.
The structural approach: This method sees language as a complex of
grammatical rules which are to be learned one at a time in a set order. So for
example the verb "to be" is introduced and practised before the present continuous
tense which uses "to be" as an auxiliary.
Suggestopedia: The theory underlying this method is that a language can be
acquired only when the learner is receptive and has no mental blocks. By various
methods it is suggested to the student that the language is easy - and in this way the
mental blocks to learning are removed.
Total Physical Response (TPR): TPR works by having the learner respond
to simple commands such as "Stand up", "Close your book", "Go to the window
and open it." The method stresses the importance of aural comprehension.
Communicative language teaching (CLT): The focus of this method is to
enable the learner to communicate effectively and appropriately in the various
situations she would be likely to find herself in. The content of CLT courses are
functions such as inviting, suggesting, complaining or notions such as the
expression of time, quantity, location.