Paradigm shift in EFL Language Teaching: Looking for the Method for Effective Teaching

Abstract

Change in teaching methods seems to be a constant in education. We can better understand and implement change in foreign language education if we look for connections between changes. The concept of paradigm shift offers one means of making such connections. This article describes changes of ten methods that fit with the paradigm shift in foreign language education toward what is most often described as communicative language teaching. The authors argue that in foreign language education, although the paradigm shift was initiated many years ago, all the methods are still questionable. Data was collected through content analysis instrument. After analysing each method based on its focus and limits, it was sorted out that one method cannot match to the four skills and the three sub-skills for effective teaching. Consequently, the eclectic method should be used to teach separately the receptive skills from the productive skills and the sub-skills.