These concepts are very important for every teacher to know the difference between them. They are, from the broadest to the narrowest: strategy, method, approach, technique.
The Difference Between Strategy and Method
Strategy
When we try to achieve some objectives by any method it becomes a strategy. A strategy is actually a combination of different methods, e.g. lecture, using a textbook or question-answer which can never be used separately.
A strategy is a macro approach. It considers teaching a science. Its purpose is to create a conducive learning environment. It is based on some theories.
Method
When we use the term method, it implies some orderly way of doing something.
The teaching method is limited to the presentation of the subject matter. Methods come under a strategy. A method is a micro approach. It is teaching as an art.
Here, work is important to present a certain topic and implement a theory effectively.
The Difference Between Approach, Method & Technique
The terms technique and procedure are often used as synonyms to refer to a series of steps that one takes to employ any general method being used in the classroom. But, the term approach refers to something else.
Here’s how approach is different from method and technique
Approach
An approach is a set of assumptions, theoretical stances, or ideologies dealing with the nature of language learning and teaching. It represents the sum of our philosophy about both the theory of learning and the theory of language.
It is considered as a theory of language answering the question why?
Method
A method is a targeted plan or set of orderly procedures or techniques that are based on a selected approach. It reveals what needs to be done in a systematic way and how to focus on achieving those objectives.
It includes the following to answer the question how?
- Plan
- Objectives
- Syllabus type
- Activity types
- Learner Roles
- Teacher Roles
- Role of materials
Technique
A technique is an actual implementation in the language classroom. It could be in the form of an exercise or just any activity that you have to do to complete your mission.
It includes the following to answer the question what?
- Procedures
- Practices
- Behaviours
It appears that the term approach is the broadest of the three. Within one approach, there can be more than one method. Finally, the term ‘technique’ is the narrowest of the three.
Thanks For Reading
This article is one of the ELT snippets that I post regularly.
If You Like It, Share It.
The aim of these snippets is to provide a collection of practical strategies, tactics, ideas, and tips drawn from my long experience in TEFL, teacher training, and classroom observation as an ELT supervisor mostly of EFL Egyptian teachers.
For More In-Depth Content On English Language Teaching?
(NOW OPEN!) Subscribe To Access My ELT Premium Content
Want to get TEFL certified to teach English abroad and online?
We Recommend International TEFL Academy (ITA)
You can also join my email list not only to be notified of the latest updates on elttguide.com but also to get TWO of my products: Quick-Start Guide To Teaching Listening In The Classroom & Quick-Start Guide To Teaching Grammar In The Classroom For FREE!
Join My Email List Now (It’s FREE)!
Want to Continue Your ELT Professional Development?
I offer various ELT publications on teaching English as a foreign language.
In these publications, I put the gist of my experience in TEFL for +20 years with various learners and in various environments and cultures.
The techniques and tips in these publications are sure-fire teaching methods that worked for me well and they can work for you, as well, FOR SURE.
Go ahead and get a look at these publications to know more about each one of them and the problem & challenge each one focuses on to overcome.
Then, you can get what you have an interest in. It is very easy and cheap. You can afford it and you’ll never regret it if you decide to get one of them, FOR SURE.
