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Midterm Assignment The Direct Method

The document discusses and compares two methods for teaching foreign languages: the Direct Method and the Grammar Translation Method. The Direct Method uses only the target language and refrains from using the learner's native language. It focuses on oral communication and spontaneous use of the language. The Grammar Translation Method derives from teaching Greek and Latin. It focuses on learning grammatical rules and applying them through translation between the target and native languages. The document argues that the Direct Method is better because its goal is to teach communication skills in the target language, while the Grammar Translation Method aims to teach reading literature. It also notes key differences in teaching approaches, grammar instruction, and use of the native language between the two methods.

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Liam Logan
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54 views

Midterm Assignment The Direct Method

The document discusses and compares two methods for teaching foreign languages: the Direct Method and the Grammar Translation Method. The Direct Method uses only the target language and refrains from using the learner's native language. It focuses on oral communication and spontaneous use of the language. The Grammar Translation Method derives from teaching Greek and Latin. It focuses on learning grammatical rules and applying them through translation between the target and native languages. The document argues that the Direct Method is better because its goal is to teach communication skills in the target language, while the Grammar Translation Method aims to teach reading literature. It also notes key differences in teaching approaches, grammar instruction, and use of the native language between the two methods.

Uploaded by

Liam Logan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Midterm Assignment

The Direct Method


The direct method of teaching, which is sometimes called the natural method, and is often (but
not exclusively) used in teaching foreign languages, refrains from using the learners' native
language and uses only the target language. It was established in Germany and France around
1900 and contrasts with the Grammar Translation Method and other traditional approaches.
The basic idea of the Direct Method was that second language learning should be more like first
language learning (lots of oral interaction, spontaneous use of the language, no translation
between first and second languages, and little or no analysis of grammatical rules).

Grammar Translation Method


The grammar translation method is a method of teaching foreign languages derived from the
classical method of teaching Greek and Latin. In grammar-translation classes, students learn
grammatical rules and then apply those rules by translating sentences between the target
language and the native language. Advanced students may be required to translate whole texts
word-for-word. The method has two main goals: to enable students to read and translate
literature written in the target language, and to further students’ general intellectual development.

The Direct Method is better than Grammar Translation Method


The Direct method is better than Grammar Translation Method. To define this thought, At first
we have to look up on the differences of this two methods. The first and foremost difference
between the Direct Method and The Grammar Translation method is the goals of the teachers
using them. In Grammar Translation Method, the teachers’ fundamental purpose is to help the
students read and appreciate literature written in the target language. To be able to do this,
students have to learn a lot about the grammar rules and vocabularies. On the contrary, the
teachers who use the Direct Method intend that the students learn how to communicate in the
target language.
It is very important that the students are believed to think in the target language. In addition, due
to the different teaching goals, there is a great disparity in teaching and learning process of the
Grammar Translation Method and the Direct Method. In a typical Grammar Translation Method
class, students are taught to translate from one language to another. They are also asked to
memorize the native language equivalents for the target language vocabulary words. In contrast,
the native language should not be used in the classroom.
The students need to associate the meaning and the target language directly. To help the students
to do this, the teacher demonstrates the meanings through pictures, realia, or pantomime. In other
words, translation is never used in this type of class. Another obvious difference between the two
methods is the dealing with grammar. Whereas grammar is taught deductively in the Grammar
Translation Method, the Direct method uses an inductively way so the students are given
examples and they figure out the rules or generalization from those examples.
It might happen that the explicit grammar rule is never given. In Grammar Translation method,
grammar rules are presented with examples. The students are asked to memorize those rules and
then apply to other examples and exercises. To conclude, I can rightly say that both methods
have advantages and disadvantages. It’s up to the teachers to choose or combine the methods
according to their teaching situation so that their students will get the most benefit.
In my own context, The principles of the Direct Method more due to the needs students.
Teaching a class of international students who come from different countries and their native
languages are different. Therefore, translation is impossible. To make the meaning clear,
Teachers usually use pictures, realia, or pantomime. The target language is the mean of every
communication taking place in the classroom. So, I believe that this very good environment for
their language learning. At the last, I can say that Direct method is more effective and preferable
Method than Grammar translation method.

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