The direct method

As with the Grammar-Translation Method, the Direct Method is not new. Its principles have
been applied by language teachers for many years. Most recently, it was revived as a method
when the goal of instruction became learning how to use another language to communicate.
Since the Grammar-Translation Method was not very effective in preparing students to use
the target language communicatively, the Direct Method became popular. it has one very
basic rule: No translation is allowed. In fact, the Direct Method receives its name from the
fact that meaning is to be conveyed directly in the target language through the use of
demonstration and visual aids, with no recourse to the students’ native language. It is also
called natural method because it is learnt naturally like mother tongue or first language.
Characteristics of Direct Method :
• There is no interference of mother tongue. In TG method at first child comes with the
contact of mother tongue and after with the target language.
• In this method, there is direct bond of target language. Child thinks into target language
and express into target language.
• Unit of teaching is sentence. Teacher performs such activities which tell the meaning of
the sentence in the context. Teacher performs anaction related to the sentence which
shows meaning of the sentence.
• Direct Method is full of activities. The teacher shows object or performs the action to
clear his concept.
• Direct Method is interesting and ,natural for learners.
• Teacher shows the meaning of the sentence with help of gestures, postures and action. It
enable student to establish direct bond between words and expression.
• The teaching learning process is carried out in English environment.
Advantage:
• This method is called natural method. The English is taught as the child learns his
mother tongue.
• The pronunciation, accent, intonation and rhythm are essential for better and effective
communication. This method helps to speak language effectively.
• This method is based on the principle of "Learning by Doing". Thus this method is
scientific and very effective.
• New teaching points were introduced orally.
• Both comprehension and speech were taught
• It observes scientific path of language acquisition: LSRW.
• To learn any language means speak that language with fluently. Thus this method
creates this ability in students. it is learnt naturally like mother tongue or first language.
This method helps learners to enjoy the language. So the learners start using the language
without fear.
• Correct use of grammar and pronunciation were emphasized.
• Grammar was taught inductively.

Disadvantage :
• For every sentence or subject matter, the teacher can not perform an action and show
any object. It means that every subject matter can not be explained by an action or
showing any object.
• This method is not useful in over crowed classes.
• This method does not help in important aspect of language learning like reading and
writing.
• To use this method in the class, the teacher should be mastered in subject. He should
have active command on his teaching. He should be a perfect teacher.
• This method requires many audio visual aids, which are very expensive so our schools
can not afford such equipments.
DirectMethod Aim: The Direct Method aims at establishing the direct bond between
thought and expressions and between experience and language. It is based on the
assumption that the learner should experience the new language in the same way as he
experienced his mother tongue.
Its main features are: Only the use of target language is allowed in class, Students
are encouraged to think in the target language Grammar should be taughtin ductively,
This method is based on sound principles of education.It believes in introducing the
particular before general, concrete before abstract and practice before theory.
 The teacher should demonstrate not explain or translate, Vocabularyshould be
learned in full sentences rather than memorizing word lists, Pronunciation should be
worked on right from outset, Self-correction facilitates language learning, First
speaking is taught and then reading and writing, The learner should be actively
involved in using the targetlanguage in realistic everyday situation,
Principles
 Reading in the target language should be taught from the beginning of language
instruction; however, the reading skill will be developed through practice with
speaking. Language is primarily speech.
 The native language should not be used in the classroom.
 The teacher should demonstrate, not explain or translate.
 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.
 The purpose of language learning is communication
 Grammar should be taught inductively.
What are the goals of teachers who use the Direct Method?
Teachers who use the Direct Method intend that students learn how to communicate
in the target language. In order to do this successfully, students should learn to think
in the target language.
What is the role of the teacher?
In direct method, teachers introduce a new target language word or phrase to the
students and there is no mother tounge. Therefore, the role of the teacher is as
demonstrator because the teacher demonstrates the meaning of words through the use
of realia, pictures, or pantomime; they never translate it into the students’ native
language. The teacher is also a facilitator because he facilitates the students with the
target language. The teacher is the source for the students to know the words in target
language. The teachers provide information of the target language including the
culture consisting of the history of the people who speak the target language. The
teacher is the partner of the students. Teachers interact with the students a lot, asking
them questions about relevant topics and trying to use the grammatical structure of the
day in the conversation.
What is the role of the students?
The teacher and the students are more like partners in the teaching/learning process.
Teacher/student interaction became fuller, guessing of context or content, completing
fill-ins, and doing “cloze” exercises were the order of the day. The students’ role in
direct method is the active learner. They are active in exploring new words,
expression, etc. in target language. The students are also the observer and practitioner.
In direct method, the students observe the target language used by the teacher in
teaching and they try to get the meaning based on the demonstration given and then
they will practice the target language they observed and they use it to communicate
with their friends and teacher in classroom.
Role of instructural materials
Materials come from realia rather than textbook primary aim is to promote
comprehension and communication.
How does the teacher respond to student errors?
The teacher, employing various techniques, tries to get students to self-correct
whenever possible.
Theory of learning
theory of language
The essence of language is meaning vocabulary not grammar is the heart of language
Conclusion
The direct method of teaching was developed as a response to the Grammar-
Translation method. It sought to immerse the learner in the same way as when a first
language is learnt. All teaching is done in the target language, grammar is taught
inductively, there is a focus on speaking and listening, and only useful ‘everyday’
language is taught. The weakness in the Direct Method is its assumption that a second
language can be learnt in exactly the same way as a first, when in fact the conditions
under which a second language is learnt are very different. The teacher and the
students are more like partners in the teaching/learning process. Teacher/student
interaction became fuller, guessing of context or content, completing fill-ins, and
doing “cloze” exercises were the order of the day. The teacher is as the facilitator of
the language and the students is the active learners who are active in learning and
exploring the target language.