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Pedagogical Approach

Silent Way

Named Pedagogical Models and Movements

The Silent Way is a language-teaching method developed by mathematics educator Caleb Gattegno in 1963, in which the teacher speaks as little as possible, instead using colored rods and wall charts of colored symbols to prompt students to work out the target language's sounds and structures for themselves and to correct one another, on the premise that a learner retains what they discover through their own effort better than what they are simply told.

Facts
Central Question
How can beginning-level students gain basic fluency and good pronunciation in the target language? 1
Most Effective For
Situations where accuracy is important 1
Connections

Associated With

Sources
1. Wikipedia: Silent Way
  • Design and goals
    The general goal of the Silent Way is to help beginning-level students gain basic fluency in the target language, with the ultimate aim being near-native language proficiency and good pronunciation.
  • Reception and influence
    As of 2000, the Silent Way was only used by a small number of teachers. These teachers often work in situations where accuracy is important.
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