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The Direct Method

The direct method is a language teaching approach that emphasizes using only the target language during instruction without translation or relying on the native language. It focuses on immersing learners in the target language through oral interaction, correct pronunciation, and using visual aids. Some benefits are stronger speaking skills and fluency, improved listening comprehension, and confidence building, but it has limitations like potential student anxiety and assessment challenges.

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Abegail Sapad
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19 views

The Direct Method

The direct method is a language teaching approach that emphasizes using only the target language during instruction without translation or relying on the native language. It focuses on immersing learners in the target language through oral interaction, correct pronunciation, and using visual aids. Some benefits are stronger speaking skills and fluency, improved listening comprehension, and confidence building, but it has limitations like potential student anxiety and assessment challenges.

Uploaded by

Abegail Sapad
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Republic of the Philippines

Tarlac State University


COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION
Lucinda Campus, Tarlac City

The Direct
Method
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Subject

ENG 503 – Methodologies of English Language Teaching

Submitted by:
Allen Carlo S. Hipolito

Submitted to:
Dr. Brendalyn Manzano
I. Authorities: François Gouin (France), Maximillian Berlitz (Germany) &
Lambert Sauveur (France)

II. Discussion
The Method/Approach/Philosophy

Introduction:

The direct method is a language teaching approach that emphasizes using the target language
exclusively during instruction.

It focuses on immersing learners in the target language and encouraging them to communicate
directly in that language only, and not relying on translation or their native language.

Unlike grammar-translation method, the direct method gives a great emphasis on oral
interaction; while discarding any use of mother tongue in the classroom.

It appeared as an answer to the shortcomings of the Grammar Translation Method

Features:

-Main goal: communicating the language


-Learning by speaking
-Teaching of language by “use”
-Skills involved: listening and speaking
-Heavily relies on oral language
-Correct pronunciation is emphasized
-Audio and visual aids are used extensively
-The use of mother tongue is discouraged
-Students are active participants
-Grammar is taught through inductive method

Approach

Never translate: demonstrate Never explain: act


Never make a speech: ask questions Never imitate mistakes: correct
Never speak with single words: use sentences Never use book: use your lesson plan
Never jump around: follow your plan Never go too fast: keep student’s pace
Never speak too slowly: speak normally Never speak too quickly: speak naturally
Never speak too loudly: speak naturally Never be impatient: take it easy
Design & Procedure

1. Show – The student is shown something so that they understand the word. For
example, they might be shown visual aids such as pictures or flash cards for nouns. The
teacher may also use body language, gestures and non-verbal cues to explain verbs
2. Say – The teacher verbally presents the word or sentence, putting emphasis on the
correct pronunciation.
3. Try – The student then tries to repeat what the teacher is saying.
4. Correct – The teacher corrects the mistakes of the students and ensure that they are
pronouncing the words correctly
5. Repeat – Finally, the students repeat the words a number of times. Here, the teacher
uses a number of methods for doing so, including individual or group repetition, etc.

III. ISSUES
Limited Vocabulary and Complexity: Since the direct method discourages the use of the
native language, learners might struggle to express themselves adequately, especially when
discussing complex or abstract concepts. This can limit the range of topics they can comfortably
engage with.

Teacher's Competence: Implementing the direct method effectively requires teachers who are
highly proficient in both the target language and the method itself. Not all educators may possess
the necessary skills to successfully guide students through this approach.

Potential Student Anxiety: Some learners might feel anxious or frustrated when forced to
communicate in a language they're still learning, especially if they fear making mistakes or being
misunderstood.

Assessment Challenges: Since direct method is all about talking the talk, it's not always easy to
see how well someone can write in the language. Testing written skills can be a bit of a
challenge. Also, if direct method mostly relies on oral communication, it will be a challenge to
administer a written type of assessment.
Transition to Advanced Levels: Going from basic to advanced means dealing with more
complex grammar, vocabulary, and expressions. The direct method might not have covered all
these intricacies, making the jump a bit overwhelming.
IV. IMPLICATIONS
Strong Speaking Skills: The direct method can lead to strong speaking skills and fluency in
real-life communication. Learners are exposed to authentic language usage and are encouraged
to think directly in the target language

Better Fluency and Pronunciation: Direct method gets you speaking right from the start. This
practice builds your comfort and confidence with speaking the language. Also, with direct
method, you get to practice how words are pronounced with clarity and as well as pick up the
accent of your desired target language in order for you to sound even more natural.

Improved Listening Comprehension: Since learners are constantly exposed to the target
language, their listening skills can improve rapidly, helping them understand different tones and
speech patterns.

Confidence Building: Since you're not getting stuck in analytically studying a wide variety of
grammar details, you can focus on communicating and expressing yourself. This can speed up
your progress and make you feel more confident when talking and be a more casual and natural
speaker. In addition, overcoming the challenges of the direct method can boost learners'
confidence in their language abilities. They become more comfortable engaging in spontaneous
conversations.

Cultural Immersion: When you're using the language directly, you're automatically exposed to
cultural references, traditions, and social norms. This gives you a better understanding of how
the language fits into the bigger cultural picture. By immersing yourself in the culture through
language, you become more comfortable and confident when interacting with native speakers.
This can break down barriers and make your connections with locals more meaningful.

V. REFERENCES
Berlitz, M. (1887). Méthode Berlitz. New York, NY: Berlitz.
Larsen-Freeman, D. (2000). Techniques and principles in language
teaching ( 2nd ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Richards, J., & Rodgers, T. (2016). Approaches and Methods in Language
Teaching (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.

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