ORAL,SITUATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL APPROACHES IN ELT

Oral, Situational and Structural Approaches in English Language Teaching

Meaning • Principles • Features • Merits • Demerits

Introduction

In English Language Teaching, different approaches have been developed to improve learners’ proficiency. The Oral Approach, Situational Approach, and Structural Approach emphasize speech, context, and sentence patterns respectively.

1. Oral Approach

Meaning

The Oral Approach believes that speech should precede reading and writing. Language learning begins with listening and speaking, similar to first language acquisition.

Basic Principles

• Listening → Speaking → Reading → Writing
• Correct pronunciation is essential
• Learning through habit formation

Main Features

• Priority to oral practice
• Use of drills and repetition
• Minimal use of mother tongue

Example: Teacher says “This is a pen” → students repeat → writing comes later.

2. Situational Approach

Meaning

The Situational Approach teaches language through real or imaginary situations. Words and structures are presented in meaningful contexts.

Basic Principles

• Meaning is conveyed through situations
• Language is learned in context
• Speech is the foundation

Example: Teacher opens the door and says: “I am opening the door.”

3. Structural Approach

Meaning

The Structural Approach views language as a system of structures or sentence patterns. Learning English means mastering these structures from simple to complex.

Main Features

• Systematic teaching of sentence patterns
• Controlled vocabulary
• Extensive practice and drilling

Example: Teaching patterns like “This is…” before complex sentences.

Key Distinction (Quick Revision)

Approach	Main Focus
Oral Approach	Listening and speaking skills
Situational Approach	Meaning through context
Structural Approach	Sentence patterns and grammar

Conclusion

The Oral, Situational, and Structural Approaches together contributed to modern ELT. A skilled teacher uses them eclectically based on learner needs and classroom realities.

© ELT Academic Notes – Highlighted Revision Version

Merits and Demerits of Major ELT Approaches

Oral Approach • Situational Approach • Structural Approach

1. Oral Approach

Merits

• Develops listening and speaking skills effectively.
• Helps learners acquire correct pronunciation and intonation.
• Encourages natural language learning similar to mother tongue acquisition.
• Builds learner confidence in using spoken English.

Demerits

• Neglects reading and writing at early stages.
• Difficult to implement in large classrooms.
• Requires trained teachers and more classroom time.
• May not suit examination-oriented education.

2. Situational Approach

Merits

• Makes learning meaningful through real-life contexts.
• Improves comprehension and correct usage of language.
• Encourages active learner participation.
• Helps learners remember language longer due to contextual learning.

Demerits

• Difficult to create situations for abstract concepts.
• Time-consuming in classroom practice.
• Requires teaching aids and preparation.
• Not always feasible in overcrowded classrooms.

3. Structural Approach

Merits

• Provides a strong grammatical foundation.
• Reduces learner errors through systematic practice.
• Ensures step-by-step learning from simple to complex structures.
• Useful for examination preparation.

Demerits

• Language use may become mechanical and artificial.
• Limited scope for free communication.
• Overemphasis on drills may reduce learner creativity.
• Neglects communicative competence.

Conclusion (Exam-Friendly)

Each approach has its own strengths and limitations. An effective English teacher follows an eclectic approach by selecting suitable elements from the Oral, Situational, and Structural Approaches according to learners’ needs and classroom conditions.

© ELT Academic Notes – Merits & Demerits (Separate)