What are the benefits of structural approach?

The principle of this method is a primary emphasis on understanding the structures fully. Understanding the complexities of the structures of the sentences in a language is more important than learning the vocabulary of the language. This is to make it easier for the students. This is also because the structure of the language is its primary basis. The structural method could be used for speech, reading and writing in the target language. This approach attaches more importance to the pupil’s activity than that of the teacher’s. This approach is understood as a way to learn language through its use which is usually accompanied by some kind of activity. Dramatization, facial expression and actions are all ways to make it easy for the student to learn the language.

When a student learns Traditional Grammar, he will acquire facility and proficiency in writing correct English sentences. The study of different sentence structures enables a learner to add variety and freshness in his writing. It also improves his spoken English at the same time. While practising the sentence-patterns in these Substitution Tables, the learners subconsciously adopt the sentence-patterns that will help them speak correct English in everyday situations. Hence, the study of Traditional Grammar is given a lot of prominence in the Structural Approach as it will improve one’s Transmission Skills – Speaking and Writing tremendously. Learning English Using The Structural Approach, on the other hand, equips a learner in all the four skills of the language – listening, speaking, reading and writing – thoroughly, thereby empowering the learner to achieve the most in his career. The effectiveness of the Structural Approach has been proven in the past when it was widely used in English-speaking nations and also in the former British colonies. After a student has learned Traditional Grammar, the analysis of sentences, syntax, sentence structures, variety in sentence-building and the use of Substitution Tables which are found ONLY in the Structural Approach, a learner will never be hesitant to use the English language clearly, correctly and confidently in his adult life. The learner can easily convey his ideas and feelings to others on what he does for a living.

It creates interest and motivations in the pupils through the use of selected and graded material. Language is taught in meaningful situations. This approach is linked with the situations teaching. Speech is emphasized. Habit formations is stressed. Carefully selected and graded structure / language material. The approach involve selection and gradation of material to be taught. Selection is there because the students are not supposed to learn all the structure but they learn only those structures which frequently comes. Thus based on usefulness & teachability. That it’s main objective is to increase the students command over the pattern of English and enabling them to use the language more effectively. It also known as ‘aural-oral approach’ as it stress teaching language by giving opportunities to the students to here and speak the language. The unit teaching is particular structure. Oral drill form a significant step of this approach. Meaningful situations are created by the teacher with help of easily available teaching aids. It lays proper emphasis on aural – oral approach method. It co-relate the teaching of grammar and compositions with reading lesson. Thus grammar is taught informally.