The text discusses the history of changes in teaching methods in language education, reflecting shifts in teaching goals and theories of language and learning. Efforts to improve teaching effectiveness have focused on changing methods, with controversial concepts like the "method concept" being influential but debated. Major trends throughout the 20th century include a move towards oral proficiency and content-based language instruction (CLIL). Despite contemporary innovations, questions about improving teaching and learning in language classrooms have remained a central concern throughout history.