The Silent way
Developed by Caleb Gattegno, The Silent Way is a humanistic approach to learning language based on cognitive theory (Brown & Lee, 2015). The method is based on student discovery with the instructor staying mainly silent. The instructor provides single word or sentences stimuli to prompt students if they struggle (Brown & Lee). Gattegno applied Montessori theory to this method, basing the method on the fact that learning a second language is a natural process (Mocanu, 2012). Charts with encoded pronunciation are intended to develop students perception in a method based on senses and perception (Mocanu, 2012). A technique of feedback assists with basic problems, after which the language will be acquired naturally (Mocanu, 2012). Additionally, Gattegno understood, upon reflection on himself as a learner, that an important part of learning is making mistakes; from mistakes, students learn what is right and wrong, or what is adequate or inadequate and can improve from that point (Young, 2000).
Pros:
Cons:
Pros:
- non-threatening approach
- attempt at natural learning
- engaging students in discovery often aids in quality of learning
- focus on the student rather than the instructor
- students free to make mistakes as they learn, which helps with learning
Cons:
- students want and need more guidance than the method advocates
- novelty of charts wears off particularly in older learners
- some students may feel frustrated with the lack of input by the instructor.