What is Callan Method ?

Callan Method was established in 1960 by Robin Callan and has rapidly developed into one of the popular teaching technique around the world. It cliams to teach you primarily English in a quarter of the time of conventional methods. The method is to involve students as much as possible. Unlike traditional teaching, Callan Method places great emphasis on class interaction. It’s divided into 12 stages and involves the teacher asking the student a series of questions. The aim is to get students to speak as much as possible, to hold their attention and to stimulate memory with a view to increasing their grammar and vocabulary without over complicating lessons. Due to the unique nature of the Callan Method, you will speak for the entire lesson even if you are a quietest student. The aim of the method is to assist non-native English speakers to learn how to converse on an everyday level as quick as possible.

My opinion about the Callan Method

This is a very effective method for gaining an immediate grasp of the spoken language. Learning a language is a very complex skill. Like driving, some people will never master, and most people will have some opportunity for improvement. From my knowledge and experience of learning English, the Callan method will help overseas student boost their confidence in speaking English in a shorter of time than traditional way due to the method that the teachers use. The student is forced to speak, there is no room for shyness. Therefore, Callan’s classes focus on interaction rather than academic learning. On intermediate level, it is proved less effective than other conventional methods. From my point of view, it is a pretty good way to learn  spoken English in a short period of time. I would highly recommend it for an overseas student to learn English using this method as a first stage when coming to the UK. This is because it will help the student gain confidence and practise their speaking and listening skills straight away. Once students raise their confidence, they may choose to concentrate on improving their academic skill.

Alternatively, students can combine the Callan method with other traditional methods in order to maximise the benefit of both techniques. As a cost of study the Callan method is relatively economical, a combination is recommended for the best result

Recommended Callan Method School

A2Z School of English Manchester

What is Traditional Method ?

The conventional learning is to focus on intellectual development. It is originally a grammar translate method. The method requires students to read and translate whole texts word for word and memorize numerous grammatical rules and exceptions as well as enormous vocabulary lists. The method is to educate students in grammar and vocabulary through direct translations and thus focuses on the written language. It has later developed to involve speaking, listening, reading, and writing skill. In a classroom, students learn to pronounce the words, read texts, and create sentences with correct grammar.

My opinion about the Traditional Method

This method taught by many school overseas and in the UK. It is very effective method in term of learning structure or grammar. Therefore, it is a vital for achieving an academic or advanced level of English. Normally, most overseas students have a good understanding of basic grammar from learning using this method before coming to the UK. They just need to practise it and us it as often as possible. From my point of view, it is essential to develop your language skill to the highest level. I would recommend it for an overseas student to learn English using this method as a second stage or together with the Callan when coming to the UK. This is not because it is not good but I think the most important thing is that students need to gain confidence and start exercising their speaking and listening skill straight away. Once students raise their confidence, they may choose to concentrate on improving their academic skill. For the best results, my recommendation is to combine the Callan method with other traditional methods in order to maximise the benefit of both techniques.

Recommended School

Berlitz School of English Manchester

Every learning method has pros and cons; you just need to figure out the suitable one for you and just go for it. Learning a language is a very complex skill, you need to keep using and practising it all the time.

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