Mersin University Faculty of Science and Letters Department of English Language and Literature THE DIRECT METHOD IN LANGUAGE

TEACHING Soner KALAN smail PER enol BAKIRAL Erkan PATIBAY Soner EN Burak ERGN DB 422 Applied Linguistics Dr. Pnar BE AKCAN Mersin April, 2012

THE DIRECT METHOD

The Direct Method of language teaching is also called:
The Reform Method The Natural Method

The AntiGrammatical Method

The Berlitz Method

THE DIRECT METHOD

The Direct Method was developed by Maximilian Berlitz towards the end of the 19th century as a reaction to the Grammar Translation Method.

THE DIRECT METHOD

The Direct Method is named direct because meaning should be connected directly with the target language without translation into the native language.
meaning target language

THE DIRECT METHOD

Basically, the Direct Method aims to provide language learners with a practically useful knowledge of language. Knowing a language is being able to speak it.

THE DIRECT METHOD

This method argues that a foreign language can be taught without translation, unlike the argument of the Grammar-Translation Method.

THE DIRECT METHOD

Rather than translating the teaching material, the teacher is expected to directly use the target language in class because a language can best be taught by using it actively in the classroom.

THE DIRECT METHOD

The teacher should not explain but associate the meaning through action and demonstration.

THE DIRECT METHOD

In this way, learners will be able to induce grammar rules through examples, illustrations, and demonstrations.

THE DIRECT METHOD

This method replaces the textbook with teacher-student / studentstudent activities such as reading aloud, question-answer exercises, fill-in-the-blank exercises, etc.

THE DIRECT METHOD

Correct pronunciation is given careful attention in this method. In addition, new vocabulary is taught by using known words.

BASIC PRINCIPLES
1. Classroom instruction is conducted exclusively in the 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. 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
4. New teaching points are introduced orally. ORAL TRANSMISSION

BASIC PRINCIPLES
5. Correct pronunciation and grammar are emphasized.

BASIC PRINCIPLES
6. Both speech and listening comprehension are taught.

BASIC PRINCIPLES
7. Vocabulary is taught through known words, demonstration, authentic objects (realia), pictures, and miming.

BASIC PRINCIPLES
8. The teacher, by asking the student to make a choice, gets him to correct his own error. LEARNING BY SELF-CORRECTION

BASIC PRINCIPLES
9. The syllabus is based on situations or topics, not usually on linguistic structures. CONTEXTUAL/TOPICAL TEACHING

BASIC PRINCIPLES
10. Learning is not merely restricted with formal language knowledge; it also involves speaker conventions and descriptive usage.

NOT formal BUT NATURAL USE

BASIC PRINCIPLES
11. Students should learn to think in the target language as soon as possible. Vocabulary is acquired more naturally if students use it in full sentences, rather than memorizing word lists. NOT memorization but PRODUCTION

BASIC PRINCIPLES
12. The purpose of language learning is communication; therefore students need to learn how to ask questions as well as answer them.
COMMUNICATION-FIRST PRINCIPLE

TECHNIQUES IN THE DIRECT METHOD

Reading aloud Question-answer exercise Student self-correction Conversation practice Fill-in-the-blank exercise Dictation

Grammar-Translation Method vs. The Direct Method: A Comparison

in terms of GRAMMAR
Direct Method
In the direct method, the teacher provides the knowledge in grammar inductively through speaking.

Grammar translation method

The GTM focuses on grammar rules and their application. Language is learned through rules.

Grammar-Translation Method vs. The Direct Method: A Comparison

in terms of VOCABULARY
Direct Method
The vocabulary is learned through practice every day.

Grammar translation method

The vocabulary is learned through direct translation of L1. Students learn vocabulary when they are translated.

Grammar-Translation Method vs. The Direct Method: A Comparison

in terms of TEACHER ATTITUDE

Direct Method The role of the teacher is of great importance. He asks questions to students constantly, encourages them to participate in class and corrects their mistakes immediately. Grammar translation method The role of the teacher is not very active because he just limits his work to translate for the students.

Grammar-Translation Method vs. The Direct Method: A Comparison

in terms of STUDENT ATTITUDE

Direct Method The students are very actives, their oral communication skills are emphasized, they have to speak a lot.

Grammar translation method The accuracy from the students is expected and they have to practice by translation.

Grammar-Translation Method vs. The Direct Method: A Comparison in terms of LANGUAGE SKILLS

Direct Method Oral communication skills are built up in a carefully grade

Grammar translation method Primary skills to be improved: Reading and writing.

COMING NEXT

APPLICATION OF THE DIRECT METHOD