Principles of Language Teaching

Principles of Language Teaching: The Master Guide

To teach a language effectively, a teacher must combine Psychological (mind), Linguistic (language), and Pedagogical (teaching) principles. Here are the core rules rewritten for clarity and impact.

Perfect for CTET | TET | B.Ed Entrance | English Pedagogy Revision

1. Principle of Habit-Formation 🔄

Language learning is a skill, not just knowledge. It is an art that requires muscle memory and reflex, not just memorization.

• The Concept: You don’t just “know” a language; you “do” it.
• The Process:
  1. Recognition: Seeing/hearing the word.
  2. Imitation: Copying the teacher.
  3. Repetition: Drilling it until it sticks.
  4. Variation: Using it in different sentences.
• Key Tip: Focus on sustained practice over cramming.

2. Principle of Motivation 🚀

• The Quote: “Motivation is the superhighway to learning.”
• The Problem: Learning a new language can be mentally exhausting and scary (“Affective Filter”).
• The Solution: Use the Play-way method, visual aids, and games to reduce stress. If a student wants to learn, half the battle is won.

3. Principle of Selection and Gradation 📊

A teacher cannot teach the whole dictionary at once. Material must be chosen and ordered carefully.

• Selection (What to teach): Based on:
  • Frequency: How often is the word used? (Teach “Book” before “Encyclopedia”).
  • Teachability: Is it easy to demonstrate?
  • Applicability: Can it be used in many situations?
• Gradation (The Order):
  • Grouping: Putting similar sounds or meanings together (Phonetic/Lexical grouping).
  • Sequencing: Moving from Easy $\rightarrow$ Difficult / Concrete $\rightarrow$ Abstract.

4. Principle of Concreteness 🍎

• Psychological Fact: Children learn through their senses (Seeing, Touching).
• Application: Start with concrete objects (showing a real apple) before moving to abstract concepts (discussing “nutrition”).
• Tools: Use Audio-Visual aids to make the abstract clear.

5. Principle of Proportion (The Balanced Approach) ⚖️

Language is a system, like the human body. All parts must work together.

• The Rule: Do not neglect any of the four basic skills.
• LSRW Model:
  • 👂 Listening
  • 🗣️ Speaking
  • 📖 Reading
  • ✍️ Writing
• Example: While teaching a prose lesson (Reading), the teacher should also correct pronunciation (Speaking) and discuss grammar (Structure).

6. Principle of Accuracy and Correctness ✅

To prevent “fossilization” of errors, the teacher must insist on correctness from the start.

• Focus Areas: Correct intonation, spelling, and sentence structure.
• Drill: Practice similar sounds (e.g., distinguishing ‘S’ vs ‘Sh’) to ensure precise articulation.

7. Principle of Natural Process 🌿

• The Concept: Mimic how a child learns their mother tongue.
• The Sequence:
  1. Oral work first: Listening and Speaking.
  2. Literacy later: Reading and Writing.
• Environment: Create an atmosphere where speaking is encouraged, even if imperfect initially.

8. Principle of Linking with Life 🌍

• The Rule: Language classes should not be isolated from the real world.
• Application: Use vocabulary and situations that students encounter daily. If English feels useful for their real life, they will learn faster.

9. Principle of Interest 😃

• Challenge: Students often fear English (Awe/Terror).
• Teacher’s Role: Be sympathetic. Replace fear with curiosity. A happy classroom learns faster than a fearful one.

10. Principle of Mimicry (The Secret Weapon) 🦜

• Observation: Good mimics make good language learners.
• What to Mimic: It isn’t just about words; it’s about copying the gestures, lip positions, speed, and tone of the teacher.
• Action: Encourage “Indulgence in practice”—getting lost in the act of copying correct speech.

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