Theories of second language acquisition

Communicative Language Teaching:
The communicative approach has its origins in the changes in the British language teaching
tradition dating from the late 1960s and more generally in the developments of both Europe
and North America. This approach varies from traditional approaches because it is learner-
centred. Also, linguists state that there is a need to focus on communicative proficiency in
language teaching and that Communicative Language Teaching can fulfil this need.

The audio-lingual method, Army Method, is a style of teaching used in teaching foreign languages. It is based on behaviorist theory, which postulates that certain traits of living things, and in this case humans, could be trained through a system of reinforcement. The correct use of a trait would receive positive feedback while incorrect use of that trait would receive negative feedback.

The direct method of teaching, which is sometimes called the natural method, and is often (but not exclusively) used in teaching foreign languages, refrains from using the learners' native language and uses only the target language. It was established in Germany and France around 1900 and contrasts with the grammar–translation method and other traditional approaches, as well as with C.J.Dodson's bilingual method.

Total physical response (TPR) is a language teaching method developed by James Asher, a professor emeritus of psychology at San José State University. It is based on the coordination of language and physical movement. In TPR, instructors give commands to students in the target language with body movements, and students respond with whole-body actions.