Traditional and Innovative Teaching Methods In Teaching English Language

In India there is a broad range of linguistic background, comprising many languages and scores of dialects. English itself continues in each day use in large number of families but it is not the same as Standard English. The multilingual context offers a variety of problems to the teachers of English. Today’s world is a world of rapid technical change. Innovations come out of an ever growing pace. Due to marvelous progress in information and communication technology, the scenario of contemporary teaching techniques is entirely changed. The teacher of 21 century should shed traditional concepts and techniques of classroom teaching and should adopt the current and innovative teaching techniques. English language teachers must be innovative, imaginative, and resourceful and have thorough knowledge of the subject and adopt new techniques to change socio, economic status of the country. Due to globalization the world is changing rapidly, hence a teacher has to improve and update knowledge of innovative techniques to meet the demands of changing era. Various innovative materials and strategies will assist for the betterment of students. The present paper explores the use of innovative techniques for teaching English to learners. Novel methods such audio video aids, mimicry, group discussions, dialogue construction, performance of drama would pave way for learning the language and boost the confidence of the learners.

The teacher is the sender or the source and the educational material is the information or message. The student is the receiver of the information which is delivered via the “chalk-and-talk” method. The teacher delivers the lecture content and the students listen to the lecture. The learning mode tends to be passive and the learners play little part in their learning process. It has been found that the conventional lecture approach in classroom is of limited effectiveness in both teaching and learning because:

• this is “one way flow” of information

• teachers often continuously talk without knowing students response and feedback

• there is insufficient interaction with students in the classroom

 there is more emphasis given on theory without any practical and real life time situations

• marks rather than result orientated

Inquiry-based learning is a teaching method which is rapidly ahead popularity. Based on the scientific method, this teaching method can be used for virtually all subjects. Using inquiry-based learning takes a lot of time, energy, and planning, but it is often very effective. Students put into practice problem solving and critical thinking skills to arrive at a conclusion. This teaching method is extremely student-centered and student-directed, and can be modified for students at any level, reaching them where they are. Teachers will generally need to start by modeling the process to the students. Information processing strategies is another example of teaching method that motivates students to find the answer. While it is often sensible to have students really understand the teaching methods and not just learn by heart facts, there are some cases when facts need to be memorized. Facts and concepts may also need to be grouped or organized in order to facilitate better understanding. Teachers can use various teaching methods to help students with memorization, or they can use graphic organizers, mind maps, story webs, or other ways to represent information visually. Cooperative learning is another teaching method that is careful highly effective when done correctly. With cooperative learning, students are put in small groups to work together. They are usually not grouped by ability, but put in a group with children at a variety of levels. The students are then given tasks to get together. Teachers may need to monitor these groups carefully, to make sure they are staying on task and that all students are participating. This form of training also lends itself well to differentiation, because the teacher can assign specific tasks to children at different ability levels. Mind Maps can be used by teachers to give details concepts in an innovative way. The key notion at the back mind mapping is that we learn and remember more effectively by using the full range of visual and sensory tools at our removal. Pictures, music, color, even touch and smell play a part in our learning armory will help to recollect in sequence for long time. The key is to build up mind maps that make the most of these things building on our own creativity, thinking and cross linking between ideas that exist in our own minds.

Everyone loves a teacher with an infectious sense of humor. Looking at the lighter side of life not only fosters cordial relations between professors and for progress in any field. Teaching is a challenge. Learning is a challenge. Combining both effectively is a challenge. Being humorous is a challenge. However, laughing is easy. We are convinced both by experience and research that using humor in teaching is a very effective tool for both the teacher and student. Humor strengthens the relationship between student and teacher, reduces stress, makes a course more interesting and if relevant to the subject, may even enhance recall of the material. Humor has the ability to relax people, reduce tension, and thereby create an atmosphere conducive for learning and communication. Numerous studies in the field of advertising have noted that humor is the most effective tool for enhancing recall of advertisements.3 It is easy to create a humor in the classroom by reading books of jokes and to listen to professional comics. The students should be encouraged to take notes, especially to learn about the professionals’ use of such techniques as exaggeration, pauses, and timing. Observe reality and exaggerate it - much humor lies in observations about real life and truthful situations. In conclusion, humor not only plays an important role in the healing process but is also very important in education

In this paper we found that if the teacher finds the best education method for a particular collection of students, the students are likely to learn more quickly and be more engaged. In addition, using a variety of teaching methods will keep students from being bored, and help them encounter the information in new and exhilarating ways. The methods whichever are more pleasant for the needs of student based on their knowledge of the language are always substantial in all aspects. This paper has made a mention of a few of many ground-breaking methods which can be very helpful for the teachers in gathering the opportunity of students at in-between and mark off level.

1. Boud D. and Feletti G. The Challenge of Problem-Based Learning, London. 1999; 01(04):04-06 2. Hofstetter F. T. Multimedia Literacy, New York: McGraw-Hill. 1995; 2(04): 06-11. 3. Lindstrom R. The Business Week Guide to Multimedia Presentations: Create Dynamic Presentations That Inspire, New York: McGraw-Hill. 1994; 6(01): 23-25. 4. Tapscott D. Growing Up Digital: The Rise of the Net Generation, New York: McGraw-Hill.1998; 06(04): 12-15.

6. Jonassen D. H., Peck K. L. and Wilson B. G. Learning With Technology: A Constructivist Perspective,New Jersey: Merrill/Prentice Hall. 1999; 03(01): 04-06.