Silent Way Teaching Method Explained w/ Example Class!

English Language Teachers (ELT): Under The Covers

What is The Silent Way? The Silent Way is a language teaching method developed by Caleb Gattegno in the 1970s that emphasizes learner autonomy and minimal teacher talk. The method is based on the idea that the teacher should remain "silent" as much as possible, allowing the students to discover language for themselves through visual aids and their own experimentation. This approach aims to foster self-expression and independent thinking, rather than relying on rote memorization and repetition. It also employs Cuisenaire rods for demonstration and coloured Fidel charts for pronunciation.

In the Teaching Methodology Exposed series, we take a look at notable language-teaching methods which have influenced us and wider education. We, as educational professionals, explain the history and rationale behind these methodologies and analyze a real class example to better weigh each method's pros and cons as an effective teaching approach.