5 Popular ESL Teaching Methods Every Teacher Should Know

There’s no single way to teach English, and over the years, countless approaches have shaped how teachers help students communicate, connect, and grow. From classic techniques like the Direct Method to modern frameworks such as Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) and Total Physical Response (TPR), ESL teaching methods continue to evolve with classroom realities and learner needs.

Whether you’re new to English teaching or looking to refresh your approach, understanding these methods can transform how you plan lessons, interact with students, and measure progress. Explore the most popular ESL teaching methods below, and discover how to apply them effectively in real classrooms.

Why learn ESL teaching methods?

There are many reasons why learning a few basic ESL teaching methods is a must for ESL teachers. Here are some ways in which understanding the most popular ESL methods can improve your teaching:

Demonstrating knowledge of these ESL teaching methods and strategies makes you more marketable in the field.
Using TEFL/TESOL buzzwords during an interview can improve your chances of getting hired.
Using a variety of methods in the ESL classroom makes you a more effective and engaging teacher.
Understanding pedagogy helps you design better ESL materials and lessons.
Learning methodology can help you strategically use learning objectives that will benefit your students.

If you’re new to teaching, you’ll want to get initial training and qualification with a TEFL certificate. You can explore our online TEFL courses to get started!

What are some popular ESL teaching methods?

Method #1: Direct Method

For the Direct Method, all teaching is done in the target language. Translations are not allowed in class, and the focus is heavily on speaking rather than grammar. As a result, the Direct Method is a very student-centered strategy that has gained popularity in recent years.

Students are expected to learn the target language naturally and instinctively, which is why the Direct Method is also referred to as the “Natural Approach.” Although it argues that second language acquisition should occur in the same way as first language acquisition, which has been disproven, there are many benefits to using several of the techniques they suggest.

Mistakes are corrected as they occur in class, and teachers reinforce the correct use of language with praise. This method is frequently used when teaching English online. Many virtual ESL companies require teachers to speak only English during class to encourage an immersive experience.

Get more ideas for correcting students’ mistakes by taking Bridge’s 20-hour Micro-credential course: Error Correction in the EFL Classroom.

Method #2: Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)

Communicative Language Teaching is perhaps the most popular approach among the methods of teaching ESL today. CLT emphasizes the students’ ability to communicate in real-life contexts. As a result, students learn to make requests, accept offers, explain ideas, and express their feelings and preferences.

Additionally, since CLT focuses on teaching language through real-world assignments and problem-solving, it’s less concerned with grammar accuracy and instead focuses on fluency.

Promote communication and fluency in your classroom with these ESL speaking activities.

Method #3: Inquiry-Based Learning

This teaching strategy for ESL students can sometimes be considered a part of CLT, but it places a strong emphasis on students’ independence and individuality. Inquiry-based learning is a modern approach that is becoming widely popular in schools all over the world. By asking questions and solving problems, with the teacher as a mere learning facilitator, student motivation and participation in tasks and projects are thought to increase.

It can be very similar to Task-Based Language Teaching and Project-Based Learning, because all three focus on building learner autonomy through minimal teacher participation. However, each of them focuses on a different type of independent thinking and problem-solving process: learn by questioning, by performing a task, or by completing a group project throughout the semester.

Method #4: Total Physical Response (TPR)

You may have heard of this teaching strategy for ESL before, but what exactly is TPR? Total Physical Response has become a popular approach in which students respond to the teacher through movement. Some examples include miming, gesturing, or acting out the language.

For example, the teacher and students might make an exaggerated frown and pretend to cry when learning the word “sad.” TPR suggests that students learn the target language best through physical response rather than by analysis.

Additionally, TPR is often used when teaching English online and to young learners, as it not only helps students remember vocabulary but also provides an outlet for their energy, helping them stay focused during long periods of sitting.

If you enjoy TPR, you may also appreciate using drama as an ESL teaching method.

Method #5: Principled Eclecticism

Many teachers choose to use an eclectic mix of methods, drawing from a variety of humanistic approaches (TPR, for example) and communicative approaches (the Direct Method and CLT), and creating a combination that suits their needs.

Often, they incorporate bits and pieces of many other teaching strategies for ESL learners and use what works best for their individual students. Generally speaking, there is no one-size-fits-all methodology. Each group of learners will have varying learning styles and preferences. For that reason, conducting a needs assessment is a great starting point for teachers who are unsure which methodology, or methodologies, to apply.

For example, a teacher who uses mainly the Direct Method may occasionally do a lot of grammar explanation when preparing students for English proficiency exams, such as teaching the Pearson Test of English (PTE) exam prep, or a CLT advocate may borrow some aspects of the Direct Method or use TPR.

Pro Tip: Another great way to combine or develop teaching methods is to frequently reflect on your teaching style by using a journal where you write down comments, note adjustments, and brainstorm how you can adapt specific methods or procedures as needed.

The list of ESL teaching styles doesn’t have to end here! You can find your own favorite TEFL/TESOL method from among those listed above, combine several strategies for teaching your ESL students, or develop your own ESL teaching methods and techniques. For a comprehensive breakdown of the various methodologies and guidance on evaluating your students’ needs, download Bridge’s ESL Methodologies Guide.

Dive deeper into these and other ESL teaching methods and techniques with the Bridge 120-hour Master TEFL Certificate.