English Teaching Methods

Abstract

This thesis compares and contrasts two large approaches toward teaching English language- the direct method and communicative language teaching (CLT) in the context of their use in improving speaking in university students. Speaking is a fundamental part of language acquisition as it creates a practical method of communication, decision-making and interaction in an academic as well as a social context. Spoken language as a skill is celebrated but most university students, nonetheless, struggle to participate in oral proficiency in the English language and thus better practices are required.

The classroom action research design and qualitative and quantitative approaches form the basis of the research. The data were collected by observing as well as the student and teacher question either by questionnaire or classroom instruction in FATA University. The study attempted to compare the speaking abilities of the students in the stages of applying the methods and analyzing their reactions and establish the pros and cons of both approaches.