Direct Method Language Teaching: Principles and Assumptions

Direct Method Language Teaching LTTA Bor s Sweden February 2017

Teach the language not about the language

Reaction to grammar-translation method

Language presented in context Language 1 avoided

Direct because connected directly to target language without translation

Theoretical Assumption 1 Language can be learnt through demonstration Instead of analytical explaining grammar rules, pupils are encouraged to use language naturally and spontaneously They induce grammar

Theoretical Assumption 2 The learning of additional language can be parallel to the acquisition of the first language Therefore emphasizes the importance of sounds , simple sentences and direct association of language with object and person of immediate environment- the classroom, the home

Basic Principles 1 Classroom instruction conducted exclusively in target language. The teacher should demonstrate, not explain or translate. NEVER TRANSLATE DEMONSTRATE

Basic Principles 2 Only everyday vocabulary and sentences are taught BASIC VOCABULARY IS GIVEN FIRST

Basic Principles 3 Vocabulary is taught through known words, demonstration, authentic objects (realia), pictures, and miming

Basic Principles 4 Grammar is taught inductively. There may never be an explicit grammar rule given DO NOT GIVE RULES: MAKE THEM FIGURE OUT THE RULE.

Basic Principles 5 New teaching points are introduced orally ORAL TRANSMISSION Both speech and listening comprehension are taught

Basic Principles 6 The syllabus is based on situations or topics, not usually on linguistic structures CONTEXTUAL/TOPICAL TEACHING

Basic Principles 7 Correct pronunciation is emphasized

Basic Principles 8 The aim is for pupils to learn to think in the target language as soon as possible

Basic Principles 9 The purpose of language learning is communication; therefore pupils need to learn how to ask questions as well as answer them COMMUNICATION-FIRST PREFERENCE

Basic Principles 10 The purpose of language learning is communication; therefore pupils need to learn how to negate

Techniques 1 Q & A: The teacher asks questions of any nature and the students answer

Techniques 2 Speed Repetition Movement within classroom No writing oral/aural Immediate prompts

Advantages 1 One of its positive points is that it promises to teach the language and not about the language It is a natural method which teaches language in the same way the mother tongue is acquired. Only the target language is used and the learning is contextualized..

Advantages 2 Emphasis on speech makes it more attractive for those who have needs of real communication in the target language. It introduces the teaching of vocabulary through realias.

Advantages 3 Facilitates understanding of language understanding of the target language easier due to the lack of inhibition of linguistic interferences from Language 1 Develops fluency of speech fluency of speech results in easier writing - tends to improve expression

Advantages 4 develops language sense brings words from passive vocabulary into active vocabulary bridges the gap between practice and theory facilitates alertness and participation of pupils

Criticism direct method falls short of fulfilling all needs hard for state schools to integrate ignores systematic written work and reading activities may not function in higher-level classes where translation required limited vocabulary not all words can be directly associated with their meanings lack of skilled teachers grammar is not taught systematically time consuming in creating real life situations