外语学习是一个充满困难的过程，学习者和教育者都期望能发现一条学习外语的捷径，由此而产生了外语教学法在现代以来的大发展。本文通过探究各种教学法形成的基础和动因，指出教学法的形成常常是源自于教学实践以外的因素，对于教学法的效果应该采取现实的态度并且应该根据实际的情况有针对性地选择教学法。特别应该避免的是为理论而理论和为技术而技术的做法。

Foreign language learning is always a difficult process. Learners and teachers have been looking for shortcuts to success, hence the huge development of teaching methodology in modern times. The present paper examines the basis and the motives for teaching method development and points out that these methods are often shaped by factors other than teaching practice. Therefore we should adopt a realistic attitude towards these methods and choose our method according to relevant conditions.