What is the best teaching method in teaching English as a second language?

In my opinion there is not ONE set way to teach. Each classroom is different and unique.  Just because I taught one way to one section, I may have to teach a completely different way with another section.  My suggestion is not to focus on a particular method but to be open and flexible. Get to know your students strengths, and weaknesses. Find out their likes and dislikes.Determine their prefered learning styles. After a little effort then create your lessons around these factors and then determine what  exact methods you will use to present your lessons.  Focus on your students and their needs and you will always be successful in the classroom.

There can be no such thing as the best method because students differ, contexts differ, and most importantly educational objectives differ. Several teachers, myself included, would make the case for ecclecticism; however, one has to be careful not to put ecclecticism as an excuse for lazy teaching practices.

There should be a blend of old as well as new methods. Technology combined with traditional methods of teaching can create wonders in English teaching process.

Learning any language should be fun and not something to be feared The materials and lessons should be varied and every student should be given the opportunity to participate role play is a good way of getting everyone to join in I have found with the younger ones that English songs with actions are very popular

For me, it is Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) method. It is maybe not the best one, but its closed to the best strategies in my opinion

I think the best approach is the use of lecture capture so that the student can watch it over at his or her convenient time and learn a lot. 

The first skill you will need to master to start successfully teaching English as a foreign language is the ability to use body gestures and signs effectively. Many students find that they learn a new language better when they are forced to speak only English in the classroom. By refusing to use your student's native language, you force them to learn English by first using your body language and gestures to teach them new words, and then using what they've learned to build even more knowledge. This pattern of learning closely mimics the way babies and infants learn a language, and therefore this method of teaching often 'sticks' better than using rote memorization of English words.

Back to Basics is an effective way of teaching EFL. 

It is important to have students engaged in the learning experience and to gain a thorough understanding of English grammar, spelling, rules/exceptions and conversational exercises. 

I've seen too many classes where teacher and students are running before they can walk.  Taking on advanced learning theories and practices where teachers and students can all end up feeling frustrated and students especially lose interest.

 

One of the key demonstrations of the lack of understanding in the English language can be highlighted when students who have been educated abroad, especially in USA, return to SA.  Many are filled with confidence with their ability to speak fairly fluent English - but many still have failed to grasp many elements of the language and is demonstrated in their verbal and written skills.  What is even more alarming is that many do not want to be corrected and so continue with the standard of English they have attained.

 

It needs to highlighted in schools, higher educational facilities and the work place that learning a foreign language is an ongoing skill.

 

 

Encouraging students to use the most of their5 senses , and to focus on using more "role playing" between them.

One of the best methods is to push students participate, talk and think in english in order to develop an english brain rathert han thinking in their first language then translate that doesn't help at all in learning process. 

The communicative approach.It is eclectic