Eclecticism and Language learning

	Eclecticism and Language learning
Al-Fatih journal
Article 1, Volume 5, Issue 39, 2009, Pages 289-298
Abstract
Introduction Language learning is qualitatively different from other types of learning , because special qualifications and training are required for the English language teacher. Each of the well – known methods (e.g. grammar – translation , reading , audio – lingual and communicative) has its own features concerning language learning . Some of these approaches and methods are better or more effective than others . yet they all have some weaknesses and some strengths . Methods may supplement one another especially when there is no one method which can fulfil all language goals and programme objectives. Since the early 20th century ,experts in FLT have been seeking the best method for FLT. Different methods have been introduced ,tried out and found unsatisfactory. They have realized no single method seems good enough to be universally accepted as best. In teaching practice, many have to come to favor of eclecticism, which generally holds that although no single ELT method can meet all teaching and learning needs ,thus teachers need a set of principles to adapt their teaching procedure to the specific circumstances . When linguists thought to improve the quality of language learning they often did so by referring to general principles and theories concerning how languages are learned and how knowledge of language is presented and organized in memory or how language itself structured. There is a call nowadays to move towards eclecticism in language learning especially at the primary stage since it is the first stage in foreign language learning . This objective of teaching English for the 5th grade at the primary stage in Iraq devoted to develop the foreign language skills :- listening , speaking , reading and writing ( Darwash : 2002 : 9) Eclecticism has given a variety of names: effective or successful eclecticism, enlighten eclecticism, integrative eclecticism, new eclecticism, etc. The fact that it had many names testifies to the influence and popularity of this theory. Evaluation of this study based on analysing the principles of the eclectic method in the field of language learning / teaching, the study will investigate on how much this approach is adequate to the learner's needs. Results of such analysis would help to make decisions about the adequacy of other methods of teaching other subjects at different levels and justify suggesting new methods of different approaches of different levels .Eclectic method is used as one of the main methods in language learning inside the classroom.

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