THE DIRECT METHOD

“There is no the best or a better method in language teaching. Every method has advantages and disadvantages in itself.”

Direct Method

This method is a reaction to Grammar Translation Method (GTM), because GTM doesn’t focus on oral communication and daily spoken language, and Direct method (DM) places emphasis to these aspects of language.

The Theories in DM:

Language must be taught naturally (weighted spoken language),

Inductive teaching is one of the most important pieces of DM,

Learning unconsciously / Learning by doing and discovering is essential,

There is a direct exposure to the target language.

Other Features of DM:

Teacher is not dominant as in GTM, s/he is a director or a guide in class, directing students’ interaction with each other and the language. Teaching is mostly student centered.

Students are active participants of class, and sometimes, even teacher attends the class.

Teacher–student and student–teacher interaction are mostly seen.

Speaking in native language is not allowed.

Learning must be meaningful for students and with full of spoken language vocabulary.

 Vocabulary teaching must be with the help of pictures, role play or examples, memorizing is not seen.

Topical and situational syllabuses take place in learning process. (a reading text or an audio related with global warming)

           

            As inductive teaching is important, firstly, teacher gives some examples and waits them to discover the rules.

Activities are towards to improve reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, but listening and speaking skills are over the others and vocabulary is prior to grammar.

There is self correction of students. When they have mistakes, teacher doesn’t mostly correct them, waits them to find it.

Question-answer, topical conversation activities, pair works, reading passages aloud, dialogues with role plays, etc. are among essential techniques in DM.

Summarizing Keywords/Phrases:

            Inductive teaching

            Student centered teaching

            Teacher as a guide

            Speaking and listening skills

            An exposure only to target language

            No native language

            Authentic lesson materials

            Dialogues, conversations

            Spoken language