Angel and Devil Debate: Reading Approach

Ever wonder about the history of language teaching? Let’s take a trip back to the 1930s and explore a method called the “Reading Approach.”

What Was the Reading Approach?

In a nutshell, the Reading Approach prioritized reading skills in foreign language learning. The goal wasn’t necessarily fluency in speaking or writing, but rather the ability to understand written texts in the target language.

Here’s what characterized this approach:

Practical Focus: The aim was practical, focusing on what students were most likely to dowith the language. The thinking was that most students wouldn’t travel the world, but they could benefit from being able to read texts in another language.
Standardized Testing: The rise of standardized testing heavily influenced the Reading Approach. Passing tests became a key objective, and language learning was geared toward that end.
Grammar and Vocabulary: Grammar rules and vocabulary lists were back in vogue.
Translation: A bit of translation re-entered the scene.

Why Reading?

In the 1930s, global travel wasn’t as accessible as it is today. Reading offered a window into other cultures and a way to engage with the language. Books were a primary source of information and cultural understanding.

Criticisms of the Reading Approach

The Reading Approach wasn’t without its detractors. Some common criticisms included:

Short-Sighted: Focusing solely on reading seemed limiting. What about speaking, listening, and writing?
Boring: Critics argued that reading alone was a dull way to learn a language and didn’t foster true engagement.
Lack of Interaction: Language learning is often most effective when interacting with other speakers. The Reading Approach, with its emphasis on solitary study, missed this crucial element.

The Legacy of the Reading Approach

Despite its limitations, the Reading Approach made important contributions to language teaching:

Testing and Assessment: The focus on testing, while controversial, pushed educators to evaluate the effectiveness of different teaching methods.
Insights into Language Learning: The Reading Approach provided valuable insights into language acquisition that still influence teaching practices today.

Is the Reading Approach Still Relevant?

While we’ve moved beyond a purely reading-based approach, some of its principles can still be valuable:

Reading for Comprehension: Developing strong reading comprehension skills is essential for language learners.
Vocabulary Building: A solid vocabulary base is crucial for understanding and using a language.
Exposure to Authentic Texts: Reading authentic materials (books, articles, etc.) can provide valuable cultural insights and expose learners to real-world language use.

The Reading Approach might be a relic of the past, but it offers valuable lessons for language educators today. By understanding its strengths and weaknesses, we can create more effective and engaging language learning experiences for our students.

You’re a smart Banana! *sticks gold star on your forehead*