The direct method

The direct method of teaching foreign languages, sometimes also called the natural method, refrains from using the learners' native language and uses only the target language. It was established in Germany and France around 1900. Characteristic features of the direct method are :

* teaching vocabulary through pantomiming, real-life objects and other visual materials
* teaching grammar by using an inductive approach (i.e. having learners find out rules through the presentation of adequate linguistic forms in the target language)
* centrality of spoken language (including a native-like pronunciation)
* focus on question-answer patterns
* teacher-centeredness

Reviewing the Principles

The goal of this method intend the students learn how to communicate in target language.
The teacher and the students are more like partners in the teaching/learning process.
Teachers who use the Direct Method believe students need to associatiate meaning and the target language directly.
The initiation of the interaction goes both ways, students to teacher and teacher to students.
No principle of the method which related to this area.
Language is primarily spoken, not written.
Vocabulary is emphasized over grammar. Reading and writing exercises are based upon what the students practice orally first.
Native language should not be usu in classroom.
Students and teacher are asked to do so using both oral and written skills.
Employing various techniques, tries to get students to self-correct whenever possible.

Reviewing the Techniques :

1. Reading aloud
Students take turns reading sections of a passage, play, or dialog out loud.

2. Question and answer exercise
This exercise is conducted only in the target language.


3. Getting students to self correct
The teacher of this class has the students self correct by asking them to make a choice between what they said and an alternative answer he supplied.

4. Conversation practice
The teacher asks students a number of questions in the target language, which the students have to understand to be able to answer correctly.

5. Fill the blank exercise
The techniques has already been discussed in the Grammar Translation Method, but differs in application in the Direct Method.

6. Dictation
The teacher read the passage three times. The first the teacherbreads it at a normal speed, while the students just listen.

7. Map drawing
The class included one example of the technique used to give students listening comprehension practice.

8. Paragraf writing
The teacher in class asked asked the students to write a paragraph in their own words on the major geographicl features of the United States.

The teacher gives the students a topic to write about in the target language.
The students had an opportunity to examine the principles and some of the techniques of The Grammar Translation Method.