Class #8

Vanessa, Irene and Nelsy

Monday, October 21st, 2019

Direct Method

History:

v  The Direct Method of teaching was developed as a reaction of the Grammar-Translation Method, because since the Grammar Translation Method was not very effective in preparing students to use the target language communicatively, the Direct Method became popular.

v  Direct Method was developed by Maximilian Berlitz towards the end of the 19^th century in Europe, for economic development the communication among nations became more frequent.

v  Use the natural way to communicate, like a baby learning its mother tongue.

What direct method is?

-          The direct method is named "direct" because meaning should be connected directly with the target language without translation into the native language.

Theoretical assumption:

ü  Language can be learning only through demonstration. Instead of analytical procedures of grammar rules, students must be encouraged to use language naturally and spontaneously, so that they induce grammar.

ü  This method emphasize the importance of sounds, simple sentences, and direct             association of language with object and person of immediate environment- the classroom, the home, the garden, etc.

Principles of the direct method:

1-      Classroom instruction is conducted in the target language. The teacher should demonstrate, not explain or translate.

2-      Only everyday vocabulary and sentences are taught. Vocabulary is taught through known words, demonstration, authentic objects (realia), pictures and miming.

3-      Grammar is taught inductively. There may never and explicit grammar rule given, make them figure out the rule.

4-      The syllabus is based on situations or topics, not usually on linguistic structures.

5-      Correct pronunciation is emphasizing.

6-      Students should learn to think in the target language as soon as possible.

7-      New teaching points are introduced orally.

8-      Both speech and listening comprehension are taught.

9-      The purpose of language learning is communication. 
10- Speaking was taught first before reading or writing.

Techniques:

Ø  Reading aloud

Ø  Question and answer exercise

Ø  Getting students to self-correct

Ø  Conversation practice

Ø  Fill in the blank exercise

Ø  Dictation

Ø  Paragraph writing

The role of the students:

ü  The teacher and the students are more like partners in the teaching/learning process.

ü  The students have an active role.

ü  The students are also the observer and the partitioner.

The role of the teacher:

• The teacher is the only demonstrator. He/she never translates but demonstrates the meaning through the use of realia pictures.
• Direct the class activities.
• Students and the teacher are partners in the learning process and there is a large amount of, learner-learner interaction.

 Audio lingual method

History:

v  The Audio-Lingual method of teaching English as a second language had its origins during World War II when it became known as the Army method.  It was developed as a reaction to the grammar-translation method of teaching foreign languages

v  The Audio-Lingual method set out to achieve quick communicative competence through innovative methods.  From about 1947-1967 the Audio-Lingual approach was the dominant foreign language teaching method in the United States.

Main objective:

ü  Accurate pronunciation and grammar, the ability to respond quickly and accurately in speech situations and knowledge of sufficient vocabulary to use with grammar patterns.

Principles of this method are:

-Instructions are given in the target language.

-Language forms occur within a context.

-Students’ native language interferes as little as possible with the students’ attempts to acquire the target language.

-Teaching is directed to provide students with a native-speaker-like model.

      -Errors are carefully avoided because they lead to the formation of bad habits. 

      - Positive reinforcement helps the student to develop correct habits.

      -The teacher is regarded as an orchestra leader- conducting, guiding and controlling the students’       behavior in the target language.

      -Learning a foreign language is treated on par with the native language learning

Characteristics:

v  Language learning is habit-formation,

v  Mistakes are bad and should be avoided, as they are considered bad habits,

v  Language skills are learned more effectively if they are presented orally first, then in written form,

v  Analogy is a better foundation for language learning than analysis,

v  The meanings of words can be learned only in a linguistic and cultural context.

Advantages:

•      It aims at developing listening and speaking skills which is a step away from the Grammar translation method.

•      The use of visual aids has proven its effectiveness in vocabulary teaching.

Disadvantages:

o   The method is based on false assumptions about language. The study of language doesn’t amount to studying the “parole”, the observable data. Mastering a language relies on acquiring the rules underlying language performance.