The Silent Way Like Suggestopia, The Silent Way method rests on more cognitive than affective arguments for its  theoretical sustenance.  But the method lies in a problem-solving approach to learning. - Learning is facilitated if the learner discovers or  creates rather than remembers and repeats what is  to be learned. - Learning is facilitated by accompanying (mediating) physical objects. - Learning is facilitated by problem solving involving  the material to be learned. The Silent Way method was fond of "discovery learning" activities. 1.   THEORY OF LANGUAGE ***  Each language is composed of elements that give it a unique rhythm and spirit. ***  Functional vocabulary and core structure are a key to the spirit of the language.  2.   THEORY OF LEARNING *** L2 learning is fundamentally different from L1 learning. *** L2 learning is an intellectual cognitive process. 3.  OBJECTIVES *** Near-native fluency, correct pronunciation, basic practical knowledge of the grammar of L2. *** Learners learn how to learn a language. 4.  SYLLABUS *** Basically structural lessons planned around grammatical items and related vocabulary.. *** Items are introduced according to their grammatical complexity. 5.  LEARNER ROLES ***  Learning is a process of personal growth. ***  Learners are responsible for their own learning and must develop independence autonomy and responsibility. 6.  TEACHER ROLES ***   Teachers must teach, test, and get out of the way! ***   Teachers remain impassive,, resist temptation to model, remodel, assist, direct exhort. 7.  LANGUAGE SKILLS to emphasize ***  Oral and aural facility in basic elements of the target language. 8.  ACTIVITIES ***  Learners respond to commands, questions and visual cues. ***  Activities encourage and shape oral responses without grammatical explanation or modelling by teacher. 9.  ERROR HANDLING ***  Errors are important and necessary to learning. ***  They show the teacher where things are unclear. .  MATERIALS ***  Unique materials: coloured rods, colour-coded pronunciation and vocabulary charts.