An approach to teaching language "reflects a certain model or research paradigm." A method is a set of procedures. A technique is a classroom device or activity. Celce-Murcia views an approach as the least specific and a technique as the most specific.

Foreign languages have traditionally been taught by a "bottom-up" approach where students learn grammar rules and vocbulary and then later use them in communication.

Studies now show benefits in the "top-down" or "whole language" approach. In this approach, students "manipulate language to communicate thoughts by using higher level skills" before utilizing the structures with lower level skills.