Eclectic Method in Pedagogy
Annotation
The purpose of this article is to summarize and convey the practical and theoretical experiences in teaching English to bilingual children. The paper examines the positive impact that the eclectic method has on English Language Learners. The main focus is describing the approaches used in this method. The uniqueness of this approach brings in balanced application in the teaching. As a result, the technique's essence is revealed by using strategies and models from educational practice.
Meaning of the term
When translated from Greek, the term "eclecticism" means "the chosen one." By mixing and selecting different ideas and styles, the eclectic method can master, combine, and apply the best concepts for learning. Since the early 90s, educators have been developing the philosophical theory of the eclectic approach. [1, pg.3] Due to different approaches, the eclectic method allows individuals to study objects from different angles. This technique allows the teacher to explain the material to the student using various techniques. [4, pg.56]
Positive outcomes of the method on day-to-day education
Eclecticism allows teachers to find unity in various pedagogical methods and makes the learning more dynamic. This method also helps to implement an individual approach to learning and solving social problems. Most importantly, it is based on the study of the interests and needs of the child. To answer all students' needs and solve all of the issues students face, teachers must know and apply more than one methodology. [2, pg.856]
As an example, one of the well-known methods that can be cited - the method of grammatical translation - teaches students to analyze and research the rules of the target language's grammar and apply the knowledge gained by translating texts into their native language. [4, pg.61]
Educators who eclectically mix different teaching methods can always present the material following the students' preferences.
Positive outcomes of the method on day-to-day education
Eclecticism allows teachers to find unity in various pedagogical methods and makes the learning more dynamic. This method also helps to implement an individual approach to learning and solving social problems. Most importantly, it is based on the study of the interests and needs of the child. To answer all students' needs and solve all of the issues students face, teachers must know and apply more than one methodology. [2, pg.856]
As an example, one of the well-known methods that can be cited - the method of grammatical translation - teaches students to analyze and research the rules of the target language's grammar and apply the knowledge gained by translating texts into their native language. [4, pg.61]
Educators who eclectically mix different teaching methods can always present the material following the students' preferences.
Why will this method be effective in the current education system?
The information flow that surrounds a person is abundant and changeable, and people need the flexibility of the mind to exist in it. There are many philosophical theories regarding the educational process. At one pole of this diversity is idealism based on spirituality; at the other is naturalism based on materialism. The truth lies somewhere in between, namely a pragmatic approach. This is what allows us to choose the principles on which to build the curriculum correctly. Many of the most remarkable philosophical ideas and concepts are integrated into education and form a harmonious eclecticism.
The benefits of such an approach
Teachers pay much attention to learning grammar to make it easier for students to work with the material. Students consistently understand the meaning of words, phrases, sentences, and grammar to translate efficiently. This approach stimulates the development of creativity and instils in their self-confidence. With this method, children find exciting new ways to learn. Flashcards and visuals become teaching tools, and they increase a child's vocabulary. [3, pg.35]
The benefits of such an approach
Teachers pay much attention to learning grammar to make it easier for students to work with the material. Students consistently understand the meaning of words, phrases, sentences, and grammar to translate efficiently. This approach stimulates the development of creativity and instils in their self-confidence. With this method, children find exciting new ways to learn. Flashcards and visuals become teaching tools, and they increase a child's vocabulary. [3, pg.35]
How the eclecticism is used at Bee One Smartie Online Educational Center
The choice of one or another teaching method in our online school occurs after monitoring the level of the student's abilities. The teacher adjusts the curriculum in working with the student, moving as the student's skills and experience accumulate to more complex material and advanced techniques. There are many teaching methods included in the eclectic approach. Here are just a few of them:
- learning through grammatical translations;
- learning through the use of only English, without translation into the native language;
- learning through certain situations using the correct vocabulary;
- learning through the audiolingual method;
- learning through bilingualism;
- learning through a non-verbal method;
- physically active learning, etc. [1, c.2-3]
The teacher's task at Bee One Smartie is to find the method that best suits a particular student and contributes to establishing the educational process.
For example, a 5th-grade student who recently emigrated to Canada was unable to master the language. The teacher chose a teaching methodology through bilingualism to work with him. The method was selected successfully and quickly gave an excellent result. Soon, the teacher switched to teaching only in English, without using the native language as the language of the mediator.
Thus, an eclectic approach to pedagogy is one of the most effective ways of teaching. It allows the teacher to select and combine various techniques, giving them the harmony of the system.
- learning through grammatical translations;
- learning through the use of only English, without translation into the native language;
- learning through certain situations using the correct vocabulary;
- learning through the audiolingual method;
- learning through bilingualism;
- learning through a non-verbal method;
- physically active learning, etc. [1, c.2-3]
The teacher's task at Bee One Smartie is to find the method that best suits a particular student and contributes to establishing the educational process.
For example, a 5th-grade student who recently emigrated to Canada was unable to master the language. The teacher chose a teaching methodology through bilingualism to work with him. The method was selected successfully and quickly gave an excellent result. Soon, the teacher switched to teaching only in English, without using the native language as the language of the mediator.
Thus, an eclectic approach to pedagogy is one of the most effective ways of teaching. It allows the teacher to select and combine various techniques, giving them the harmony of the system.
The practical way of using the method
Our centre conducts English lessons for both bilingual children and native speakers of the same language. The program for bilingual children is slightly different.
Lessons always start with grammar, which is very important: the child understands how grammar works in a foreign language and can find parallels with grammar in his native tongue.
After a grammar lesson, our students will have a practical conversation in which only a foreign language is used. For our students, we have developed "Thematic Conversation Lessons." We provide a "Foreign Language Picture Dictionary." Instead of translating new words for students into their native language, we use illustrations or find synonymous terms.
The imaging method is especially suitable for children with a predominant visual memory. They can remember a picture from our lessons and a word appropriate for the context in the future.
In addition, we use the method of positive emotive reinforcement in our classes. Positive associations with the language and the learning process contribute to better mastering of both vocabulary and grammar.
The lessons happen through play. If the child cannot memorize words through artistic images, we turn the process into a game.
Some children learn new words better when we associate them with an action or situation. Very often in our lessons, we spend physical culture breaks.
For example, children stand up and, following the teachers, pronounce the actions they take: "we sit down!", "We get up!", "We run!", "We go!" etc.
After the child can answer the questions and understand the teacher's speech, the teacher gives the child the opportunity to realize himself in the language. In this case, the teacher becomes a mediator during the conversation between the students. Moreover, in the future, the exchange only occurs between the students, and the teacher makes notes, which are then sorted out to work on the mistakes.
The next stage of learning is the introduction of more complex words and idioms to enrich the speech. At this stage, the teacher is more involved in the student's native language process, especially if the student does not know the word's translation or the context of its use.
Let us look at a concrete example from our practice.
In 2018, our school was approached by a family who had recently immigrated to Canada. We began to study with a child from this family in the summer. Within three months, the result was visible: the vocabulary expanded with each lesson, the basis of speech began to be traced, respectively, writing and reading also improved. In exactly one year of stable studies, the student has gone from level A1 to B2. Today the student is still studying at our school - already at the C2 level.
Bibliography
Al-Mamun, M. (Published 2017). Advocacy of the Eclectic Approach to ESL/EFL Teaching in Bangladesh. Semantic Scholar. https://www.semanticscholar.org
(2020, March). Approaches & methods in English language teaching: eclectic approach. 8(3). www.globalscientificjournal.com
(2016). Effects of Eclectic Learning Approach on Students' Academic /Achievement and Retention in English at Elementary Level /Journal of Education and Practice. 7(16). https://files.eric.ed.gov
Mwanza, D.(Publishes April 2019). The Eclectic Approach to Language Teaching: Its Conceptualisation and Misconceptions. Sociology International Journal of Humanities and Social Science. https://www.semanticscholar.org
Lessons always start with grammar, which is very important: the child understands how grammar works in a foreign language and can find parallels with grammar in his native tongue.
After a grammar lesson, our students will have a practical conversation in which only a foreign language is used. For our students, we have developed "Thematic Conversation Lessons." We provide a "Foreign Language Picture Dictionary." Instead of translating new words for students into their native language, we use illustrations or find synonymous terms.
The imaging method is especially suitable for children with a predominant visual memory. They can remember a picture from our lessons and a word appropriate for the context in the future.
In addition, we use the method of positive emotive reinforcement in our classes. Positive associations with the language and the learning process contribute to better mastering of both vocabulary and grammar.
The lessons happen through play. If the child cannot memorize words through artistic images, we turn the process into a game.
Some children learn new words better when we associate them with an action or situation. Very often in our lessons, we spend physical culture breaks.
For example, children stand up and, following the teachers, pronounce the actions they take: "we sit down!", "We get up!", "We run!", "We go!" etc.
After the child can answer the questions and understand the teacher's speech, the teacher gives the child the opportunity to realize himself in the language. In this case, the teacher becomes a mediator during the conversation between the students. Moreover, in the future, the exchange only occurs between the students, and the teacher makes notes, which are then sorted out to work on the mistakes.
The next stage of learning is the introduction of more complex words and idioms to enrich the speech. At this stage, the teacher is more involved in the student's native language process, especially if the student does not know the word's translation or the context of its use.
Let us look at a concrete example from our practice.
In 2018, our school was approached by a family who had recently immigrated to Canada. We began to study with a child from this family in the summer. Within three months, the result was visible: the vocabulary expanded with each lesson, the basis of speech began to be traced, respectively, writing and reading also improved. In exactly one year of stable studies, the student has gone from level A1 to B2. Today the student is still studying at our school - already at the C2 level.
Bibliography
Al-Mamun, M. (Published 2017). Advocacy of the Eclectic Approach to ESL/EFL Teaching in Bangladesh. Semantic Scholar. https://www.semanticscholar.org
(2020, March). Approaches & methods in English language teaching: eclectic approach. 8(3). www.globalscientificjournal.com
(2016). Effects of Eclectic Learning Approach on Students' Academic /Achievement and Retention in English at Elementary Level /Journal of Education and Practice. 7(16). https://files.eric.ed.gov
Mwanza, D.(Publishes April 2019). The Eclectic Approach to Language Teaching: Its Conceptualisation and Misconceptions. Sociology International Journal of Humanities and Social Science. https://www.semanticscholar.org