Teach English in Ukraine
- Tips & Strategies
28.12.2023
Our series of discovering teaching methods’ history goes on. This time we are going to discuss a rather interesting method which is not mentioned as much but we do think that knowing it is an important part of every English professional’s training. It is the Silent Way!
If you have never heard of this method or feel intrigued by this unusual name, stay with us and join our discussion.
What is an Audio-Lingual Method?
All the methods that we have discussed before, specifically the Grammar-Translation method, Direct method, and Audio-Lingual method, have proved that thoughtless repetition or constant recreation of the given examples do not provoke enough critical thinking behind the actions.
Moreover, the figure of the teacher turned out to be too dominant by having the authority to present the correct models, explicitly explaining grammar, and being relied on too much when it came to checking the answers.
This is why the Silent Way appeared. Its main aim was to provoke much more critical thinking than before and to embrace relying on one’s own knowledge without being dependent on the teacher’s appreciation.
The Silent Way was distinguished by a problem-solving approach to learning and was predicated on cognitive arguments as opposed to emotive ones.
It was highly desirable for students to grow toward autonomy and independence as well as collaborate to find solutions to language-related issues.
The method’s name comes from the teacher’s expected silence, during which they must resist the urge to let students in on everything.
What were the cons of the method? We are going to get to know them further.
More about the history of the Direct Method!
Within the Silent Way, the teacher is a promoter of the learning process rather than an educator.
Students are taught to rely on their knowledge and themselves. They are also encouraged to try expressing themselves a lot. Therefore, teachers can interfere only when it is necessary.
Meanwhile, the teacher is expected to moderate the lesson, promote critical thinking and self-learning as well as implicitly participate in the explanations.
Learn the best ESL classroom strategies
Become a class manager with usAs with any other method or approach, the Silent Way is driven by certain principles, which are the following:
The list of principles can be also expanded with some other recommendations:
Pros and cons of the Grammar-Translation Method
Lots of people have negative things to say about The Silent Way. More precisely, because of the teacher’s distance and the generally unfavorable classroom conditions, it was viewed as rather severe.
However, even though treating the students with silence or expecting a lot of independence might not always work, a lot of the Silent Way principles are still used.
Till now we know enough to assume that the creation of up-to-date techniques took a lot of time and effort, achievements and mistakes. Yes, some methods, principles and approaches have lost their popularity throughout time, but at the same time, all of them have given us something we consider effective till now
In the case of the Silent Way, it’s students’ independence, application of critical thinking, use of rods etc.
Pros | Cons |
The emphasis is on the students’ autonomy and critical thinking. | Lack of a teacher's assistance sometimes. |
Students are more engaged in the process of learning. | The silence as a method may create a lot of extra tension and confusion. |
A lot of meaningful practice rather than automatic repetition. | Lack of practice at home has a great impact on the students’ progress. |
Studying through the associations rather than repetition. | Lack of understanding because some topics do require some explicit explanations and help from the teacher. The assistance that the Silent Way promotes sometimes is not enough. |
A lot of pair and group work. | Can be harsh and challenging for introverted students. |
More on an Engage-Study-Activate Method
As for the Silent Way’s techniques, the most popular methods used within the Silent Way are:
To sum up, a lot of things about teaching methods do change rather quickly, so it’s hard to be fully aware of what things are useful enough and what should be omitted.
However, with Grade University you may always stay in touch with the latest trends and some recommendations from colleagues. So, don’t miss this chance!
There is no negative feedback on the Silent Way. True or False?
Arina Kravchenko
Author
Teacher of General English & IELTS
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