APPROACHES AND METHODS OF TEACHING ENGLISH FOR STUDENTS OF MARITIME HIGHER EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS: HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
Abstract
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of various approaches and methods used in teaching English as a second language, with particular attention to English for Specific Purposes (ESP).
It is demonstrated that language teaching has a long, complex, and evolving history, characterised by ongoing debates regarding the appropriateness and effectiveness of different teaching methods. Scholars and linguists worldwide have developed and applied diverse pedagogical approaches to enhance the effectiveness of English language instruction across various professional and academic contexts.
Given the status of English as a global language, it is essential to examine the broad spectrum of teaching approaches and methods employed in modern education. The study emphasises that within the contemporary pedagogical landscape, which increasingly supports an eclectic approach to ESP instruction, a historical understanding of these methods is necessary for evaluating their relevance in developing specific language competencies.
The research provides an overview of major pedagogical approaches, including structural and communicative frameworks, as well as prominent methodologies such as the grammar-translation method, direct method, audio-lingual method, and others.
It is highlighted that each method has introduced valuable innovations and addressed specific language learning challenges. However, these methods emerged in distinct historical contexts, reflected diverse social and educational demands, and were grounded in different theoretical perspectives. A review of academic discourse reveals multiple pedagogical frameworks shaped by educational, communicative, and professional priorities characteristic of different historical periods.
The study concludes that the diversity of learners’ needs in mastering the English language makes reliance on a single instructional method impractical. Therefore, a composite or eclectic pedagogical approach, integrating multiple methods and techniques, represents the most effective and flexible solution for addressing the individual goals and needs of learners.
Received: February 16, 2026
Accepted: March 04, 2026
Published: May 28, 2026
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