1880–1980 · A century in one page
Eight Teachers, One Inheritance
Eight approaches, a hundred years, one swinging pendulum. Meet them once — then take their gifts.
1880
Grammar Translation
Read the great books; translate every line. Language as intellectual discipline.
1910
The Direct Approach
Learn like a child. Live the culture, point at the world, speak — never translate.
1930
The Reading Approach
Most learners never travel. Teach them to read, and to pass the test.
1940
Audio-Lingual
War needs fast speakers. Drill the pattern until the tongue does it without thinking.
1960
The Cognitive Approach
The mind is not a machine. Study how it truly acquires and remembers language.
1970
Affective-Humanistic
Feelings first. Lower the fear, warm the room, and the mind opens.
1980
The Comprehension Approach
Understand before you speak. Flood learners with meaning they can grasp.
1980
The Communicative Approach
Language is for connection. Use it for real purposes — don’t just know it.