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The Focus Is On Good Pronunciation, With Spontaneous Use of The Language, No Translation, and Little Grammar Analysis

The Direct Method is a system of teaching a foreign language using only that language and without emphasis on the study of grammar. This approach, also known as the ‘oral ‘or ‘natural‘ method, originated around the 1900s as an alternative to the traditional grammatical translation method. At this time teacher were starting to experiment with teaching and educational models as previous techniques were failing to improve spoken communication.

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Shyamal Kanti Das
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122 views2 pages

The Focus Is On Good Pronunciation, With Spontaneous Use of The Language, No Translation, and Little Grammar Analysis

The Direct Method is a system of teaching a foreign language using only that language and without emphasis on the study of grammar. This approach, also known as the ‘oral ‘or ‘natural‘ method, originated around the 1900s as an alternative to the traditional grammatical translation method. At this time teacher were starting to experiment with teaching and educational models as previous techniques were failing to improve spoken communication.

Uploaded by

Shyamal Kanti Das
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The Direct Method is a system of teaching a foreign language using only that language and

without emphasis on the study of grammar.


This approach, also known as the ‘oral ‘or ‘natural‘ method, originated around the 1900s as an
alternative to the traditional grammatical translation method. At this time teacher were starting to
experiment with teaching and educational models as previous techniques were failing to improve
spoken communication.
The focus is on good pronunciation, with spontaneous use of the language, no
translation, and little grammar analysis.
The Direct Method is based on the direct involvement of the student when speaking, and listening
to, the foreign language in common everyday situations. Consequently, there is lots of oral
interaction, spontaneous use of the language, no translation, and little if any analysis of grammar
rules and syntax. The focus of the lessons is on good pronunciation, often introducing learners to
phonetic symbols before they see standard writing examples.

The Direct Method stresses all foreign language teaching should occur in the target language
only, with no translation and an emphasis on liking meaning to the language being learned. The
method became very popular during the first quarter in the 20th century, especially in private
language schools in Europe where highly motivated students could study new languages and not
need to travel far in order to try them out and apply them communicatively. One of the famous
advocates of the direct method was the German Charles Berlitz, whose schools and Berlitz
Method are now world renowned.

Objectives
The basic premise of the Direct Method is that students will learn to communicate in the target
language, partly by learning how to think in that language and by not involving L1 in the language
learning process whatsoever. Objectives include teaching the students how to use the language
spontaneously and orally, linking meaning with the target language through the use of regalia,
pictures or pantomime. There is to be a direct connection between concepts and the language to
be learned.

Key Features: According to Richards and Rogers (2001) , the key features of the Direct Method
are the following:
1. Classroom instruction is conducted exclusively in the target language.
2. Only everyday vocabulary and sentences are taught.
3. Oral communication skills are built up in a carefully traded progression organized around
question and answer exchanges between teachers and students in small, intensive classes.
4. Grammar is taught inductively
5. New teaching points are taught through modeling and practice.
6. Concrete vocabulary is taught through demonstration, objects, and pictures; abstract
vocabulary is taught by association of ideas.
7. Both speech and listening comprehension are taught.
8. Correct pronunciation and grammar are emphasized.
Techniques: Larsen-Freeman (200) discusses the techniques of the Direct Method. Here are
some typical techniques of teaching in the Direct Method:

1. Reading Aloud: Reading sections of passages, plays or dialogues aloud.


2. Question and answer Exercise: Asking questions in the target language and having
students answer in the full sentences.
3. Student Self Correction: Teacher asks students and students ask students questions using
the target language.
4. Fill in the blank Exercise: Items use target language only and inductive rather than explicit
grammar rules.
5. Dictation: Teacher reads passage aloud various amounts of times at various tempos,
students writing down what they hear.
6. Paragraph Writing: Students write paragraphs in their own words using the target language
and various models.
7. Conversation practice: Teacher asks students and students ask students questions using
the target language.

Advantages and limitations


The Direct Method is undoubtedly a highly effective method in terms of teaching language
learners who are very competent in using the target language communicatively. However, it
requires small class sizes, motivated learners and talented teachers in order to succeed really
well. There is a fundamental flaw to the Direct Method- it cannot ensure students’ achievement
in a sufficient level of proficiency in L2 structure and reading. The method contains nothing in its
essential theory and principles that deals with the learners themselves.
Conclusion
The Direct Method was an important turning point in the history of foreign language teaching and
represented a step away from the Grammar Translation Method that was progressive and
heading in the right direction. By the late 1920s, the method was starting to go into decline. But it
continued to enjoy a popular following in private language school circles, and it was one of the
foundations upon which the well-known Audio-lingual Method expanded through the 20th century.

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