EFFECTIVE TRADITIONAL AND INNOVATIVE APPROACHES IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING: EVIDENCE FROM EFL CLASSROOMS

Abstract

The rapid transformation of education in the 21st century has intensified debates concerning the effectiveness of traditional and innovative teaching approaches. While traditional methods have long provided structure and stability, innovative pedagogies aim to enhance learner engagement, autonomy, and critical thinking through technology and learner-centered practices. This study investigates and compares the effectiveness of traditional and innovative educational approaches in higher education. Using a mixed-methods research design, data were collected through questionnaires, classroom observations, and semi-structured interviews with university students and instructors. The findings indicate that neither traditional nor innovative approaches alone are sufficient to address diverse learning needs. Instead, a balanced integration of both approaches yields the most effective learning outcomes. The study concludes with pedagogical implications for curriculum design, teacher training, and educational policy.