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Wednesday, February 5, 2014

The Direct Method

Dear all,
Here is a short introduction on the Direct Method and some of the points we discussed in class. This is NOT a complete list so please add points that I have not included. 
Once again, divide your points into - 
I. Historical Background
II. Principles
III. Techniques
IV. Advantages and Disadvantages
V. Its Relevance today - in this section I would like all of you to give your personal response as to this method. Share with everyone, what you think is relevant to today's classroom and what is not.
So lets begin
The Direct Method
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.
Example
The teacher explains new vocabulary using realia, visual aids or demonstrations.
In the classroom
Aspects of the Direct Method are still evident in many ELT classrooms, such as the emphasis on listening and speaking, the use of the target language for all class instructions, and the use of visuals and realia to illustrate meaning.
Retrieved from
http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/knowledge-database/direct-method
Points of Direct Method based on discussion that took place in the class
1)    The language is looked at as “means of communication.”
2)       Object of learning a new language is “Communication.”
3)    Learners are expected to become “Autonomous.”
4)    Developing ability to think in “Target Language.”
5)    Learners “Participate & Interact” in target language.
6)    In this only every-day vocabulary / sentences are used.
7)    There is the spontaneous use of target language.
8)     There is no “translation” required.
9)    Concrete vocabulary –“objects, pictures, concepts association of ideas.”
10)  In this L2 (Second language learning) learning is similar to L1.
11)   In this “presentation” of material occurs “orally” first.
12)    In this “grammar” is taught “inductively.”
13)  Only the “Target language” is used in the classroom.
14)    “Speaking & Listening” comprehension emphasized.

Some of the limitations in “DIRECT METHOD” are -
1)      It was difficult to use, mainly because of the constraints of “Budget, Time& Classroom size.”   
2) According to Henry Sweet, it didn't have a strong foundation in theory.

17 comments:

  1. Disadvantage : It can be effective to the advanced learner. Does not work with beginners.

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  3. It is also development writing and reading skills in direct method. vernacular students somtimes do not understand direct method because here It is no transalation to traget language.

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  4. Principle: In a direct method classroom, teacher occupies the supreme position. For this method to work well, the teacher should preferably be a native speaker.

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  5. principles:In the DM the native language should be not used in classrooms and the syllabus is based on topic or current situations. Disha Dixit

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  7. Advantages:
    Direct method makes the learning of English interesting and lively by establishing direct bond between words and it's meaning.

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  8. Introduction: In the direct method no translation is allowed and meaning is to be conveyed by directly.

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  9. Advantages
    This method is an activity method facilitating alertness and participation of the students.

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  10. Advantage : Students will be benefited using listening tasks.

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  11. its helps to student for develop their speaking and listening skills..

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  12. Principle:
    No interruption of native language in the classroom.Teacher and students use target language.

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  13. Techniques: Reading aloud
    according to teacher reading aloud is more useful for students. Lata Chaudhari

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  14. It improves use of English lang. in the learners.

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  15. The most principles: Absolute meaning are made clear by presenting physical objects and abstract ones through collected ideas, not through translation.Listening and imitating sounds are drilled so that language learners become automatic in producing the sounds.

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  16. Principle: In a direct method classroom, teacher occupies the supreme position. For this method to work well, the teacher should preferably be a native speaker.

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  17. The Direct method of teaching, which is sometimes called the natural method.It was established in germany and france in 1900 and contrast with GTM method. The direct method has one very basic rule:The direct method is named "direct" because meaning should be connected directly with the target language without translation into the native language. Direct method correct pronunciation and grammar are emphasized. Both speech and listening comprehension are taught. Direct method was improve our language skills and improve knowledge.

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