What is The Direct Method?
The direct method started as a response to the Grammar-Translation method. It and was established around Germany and France in the 1900s. This method immerses the learner in the same way as when a first language is learned.
Essential points to note regarding Direct Method teaching:
- In most Direct Method classrooms, there is no translation. The mother tongue is expressly forbidden, and all communication is directly in the target language.
- There may be little or no explanation for syntax or grammatical rules, nor translation into the student’s mother tongue.
- Teaching a different language must be carried out in the same way children or people learn their mother tongue.
- In the classroom, the emphasis is on listening and speaking, using the target language for all class instructions, and using visuals and realia to illustrate meaning.
- The assumption is that a second language can be learned the same way as a first; however, the conditions under which a second language is learned are very different.
Examples of how to use the Direct Method in the classroom:
- Realia, visual aids, or demonstrations are used to introduce new vocabulary.
- The mother-tongue is not allowed in activities inside the classroom.
- Oral learning is taught before any reading and writing activities.
- Use of chain activities accompanied by verbal comments such as; I go to the door. I open the door. I close the door. Etc., (called the Gouin series).
- Grammar is taught inductively. (i.e., having learners find out rules through the presentation of adequate linguistic forms in the target language.).
- Use of realia to teach concrete vocabulary. Abstract vocabulary is introduced through the association of ideas.
- The focus is put on correct grammar and pronunciation.
The teaching techniques rely mostly on
- Reading aloud,
- Question-answer exercise,
- Self-correction,
- Conversation practice,
- Fill-in-the-blank exercise,
- Dictation,
- Paragraph writing,
- Teaching through modelling and practice.