The development of methods in foreign language teaching from the mid 19th century until present

This diploma thesis scrutinizes development of foreign language teaching methods as well as their conceptions and usage. The aim of this thesis is to provide a complex insight into the issue. The thesis works with a few hypotheses such as influence of age (of pupils as well as teachers) on choice of methods. Even more attention is dedicated to eclecticism and communicative methods which are believed to be predominant in today's teaching. The theoretical part is focused on explanation and clarification of methodologic terminology, all the methods and didactic approaches existing in foreign language teaching, which are presented chronologically. There are also influential psychological and linguistic movements important for development of the methods summarized. Then the research based on survey for teachers follows. This part explores which techniques, typical for particular methods, prevail in contemporary teaching. The aim of the research is to find out which methods and techniques are chosen by teachers and what factors influence their choice. The practical part functions as a sort of evidentiary test. There were designed two lessons for younger and older pupils which combine the survey results and authors personal teaching experience. The practical part shows if the preferences of teachers..