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Direct Method

The Direct Method (DM) is a language teaching approach established in the 19th century that emphasizes oral mastery of the target language without translation. It focuses on practical vocabulary, inductive grammar teaching, and active student involvement, contrasting with the Grammar Translation Method (GTM). While DM enhances pronunciation and communicative competence, it faces challenges in public schools due to resource constraints and the necessity for teachers with native-like fluency.

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27 views16 pages

Direct Method

The Direct Method (DM) is a language teaching approach established in the 19th century that emphasizes oral mastery of the target language without translation. It focuses on practical vocabulary, inductive grammar teaching, and active student involvement, contrasting with the Grammar Translation Method (GTM). While DM enhances pronunciation and communicative competence, it faces challenges in public schools due to resource constraints and the necessity for teachers with native-like fluency.

Uploaded by

monaelmogasbi
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

(DM)
Language Teaching

Dr. Omar Albakbak

Mona A. Elmogasbi

Fall, 2024
Contents

• General Background
• DM VS. GTM
• How is language viewed?
• DM principles
• Techniques
• Advantages VS. Disadvantages
General Background
 The Direct Method (DM) was established in Europe in the
nineteenth century.
 It was a result of the Reform Movement against GTM.
 The main purpose of DM is the mastery of target language
orally (communicatively).
General Background

 The DM has one very basic rule: No translation is


allowed. In fact, the Direct Method receives its name
from the fact that meaning is to be conveyed directly
in the target language through the use of
demonstration and visual aids, with no recourse to
the students’ native language.
How is DM distinguished from GTM?
The Grammar Translation Method The Direct Method

Maintains close association between TL Avoids close association between TL and


and the
the mother tongue mother tongue

Lays emphasis on translation Lays emphasis on speech

Follows adults way of learning an FL Follows child’s natural way of learning L1

Teaches the language by rules Teaches the language by use

Teaches grammar deductively Teaches grammar inductively


The DM Principles

 Students learn to think in the target language.


 The teacher and the students are more like partners in the
teaching-learning process.
 Native language is not allowed in the classroom.
 Vocabulary or phrases are demonstrated through realia
(pictures or objects), acts, or pantomime.
The DM Principles

 Concrete vocabulary is introduced using demonstrations,


objects, and pictures, while abstract vocabulary is taught
through context and associations.

 Instruction emphasizes practical vocabulary and everyday


sentences, supporting real-life communication.

 Grammar is taught inductively: conclusions drawn from


examples.
The DM Principles

 The teacher uses question-and-answer exchanges to practice


sentence patterns and promote interaction.

 Errors are corrected immediately and directly, helping


students to self-correct and improve accuracy.

 Student-teacher interaction and active student involvement are


central to the learning process.

 The target language is used exclusively in instruction,


immersing students fully in the language environment
How is language viewed?

• Language is primarily spoken not written.

• Language is used for communication.

• Vocabulary Acquisition is emphasized through exposure to TL


use in situations (contextualized).

• Speech and listening comprehension take precedence, with


reading and writing introduced at later stages.

• The basic unit of language is sentence.


Assessment

 Students are required to use the language, not to


demonstrate their knowledge about the language.

 They are expected to use both written and oral


skills.
For example, the student is interviewed
orally or might be asked to write a paragraph
about something they have learned.
Techniques of Direct Method

 Fill-in-the-blanks exercise

 Dictation

 Map drawing

 Paragraph writing
Techniques of Direct Method

 Reading aloud

 Question and answer exercise

 Self-correction

 Conversation practice
Advantages Disadvantages

 DM improves  Over-emphasis on oral


pronunciation. practice: skills namely
 DM develops the reading and writing are
communicative competence ignored.
as well as fluency.  Requires teachers with
 Creates suitable native-like fluency.
environment for learning  Must use TL only.
TL.  Time limitation.
 Learning is more interesting:
use of realia.
Does the direct method work in public schools?

The Direct Method did not take well in public schools where the
constraints of budget, classroom size, time, and teacher
background (native speakers or native-like fluency) made
such a method difficult to apply.
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References

Larsen-Freeman, D., & Anderson, M. (2011). Techniques and principles in


language teaching. (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press. New York

Richards, J. C., & Rodgers, T. S. (2014). Approaches and methods in


language teaching (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press

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