3. What are the differences between Teaching Approach, Teaching Method,Teaching Technique, and Teaching Strategies?

Sometimes we get confused with the terms “approach”, “method”, “technique”, and “strategy” in language teaching. Well, let´s try to make some understanding about them.

Approach is a set of correlative assumptions dealing with the nature of language teaching and learning. An approach is axiomatic. It describes the nature of the subject matter to be taught.

Method is an overall plan for the orderly presentation of language material, no part of which contradicts, and all of which is based upon, the selected approach. An approach is axiomatic, a method is procedural. Within one approach, there can be many methods.

Technique is a very specific, concrete stratagem or trick designed to accomplish an immediate objective. It is an implementation which actually takes place in a classroom. It is a particular trick, or contrivance used to accomplish an immediate objective. Technique must be consistent with a method and therefore in harmony with an approach as well.

Strategy is the art of devising or employing plans or stratagems toward a goal. A strategy is a style of thinking; a conscious and deliberate process; an intensive implementation system; the art of ensuring future success.

Thus we can conclude that approach is translated into method that contains technique, and this technique into strategies.