Response #8

I think that as with much of the research we have read, a combination of the form-focused and communicative here is the best approach. In my understanding, the form-focused may be necessary to learn more of the structure and academics of language, the communicative is also necessary if one wishes to be successful speaking the target language. I did not see any of the proposals for teaching as methods that could stand alone in teaching and be completely successful. Each of them had its weaknesses and strengths.

As chapter 6 stated"many adult learners, especially those with good metalinguistic knowledge of their own language, express a preference for structure-based approaches." p139 There is research that supports both approaches in different situations. Some researchers encourage learners to develop fluency before accuracy and so a communicative approach would be recommended. I think that in choosing an approach one has to consider the learners style of learning, their background and many other factors that influence their ability and motivation to learn.