The Effectiveness of Using the Eclectic Method within the Second Language Classroom in the Sri Lankan context

Abstract

Teaching and learning are two broad concepts that can be subjected to deep analysis. In accordance with the hypothesis made, it is essential to prepare for a lesson and be armed with a suitable strategy to impart knowledge such as the Eclectic Method. As a result of the researches carried out by Li, Freeman, Melloa, Osakine, Onijin, Atkinson, Falana and et al, it is disadvantageous to resort to the use of a single teaching methodology while a variety of strategies are available. Thus the best elements of all these methods can be incorporated in the Eclectic Method, aiming an effective teaching-learning experience. The lack of research work on the effectiveness of using the Eclectic Method within the local context, has paved way for the current study. Consequently, 500 learners and 40 educators were selected from the Sangabodhi National College and University of Colombo while the questionnaire method, informal discussions, interviews and observations are used for data collection. Amidst the unavoidable limitations such as the limited scope and data range, the hypotheses are proved, and it is also found out that a combination of structural and communicative aspects in teaching is consciously or unconsciously used, suggesting the use of the Eclectic Method within the local L2 classroom in varying degrees. However, the identified common combinations used for the Eclectic Method seem to be unsatisfactory and suggestions are made through the current study, further highlighting the advantage of resorting to the Eclectic Method, while paying significant attention to interesting, effective and different styles of combining structural and communicative aspects in teaching.