DIRECT METHOD
The Direct Method, it is sometimes called the Natural Method. Not limited to but
often used in teaching foreign languages, the method refrains from using the
learners' native language and uses only the target language. It is named direct",
because meaning should be connected directly with the target language without
translation into the native language.
The direct method receives its name from the fact that meaning is to be conveyed
directly in the target language using demonstration and visual aids with no
recourse to the students native language. (Diller 1978).
Characteristics
Teaching concepts and vocabulary through pantomiming, real-life objects and other
visual materials.
Teaching grammar by using an inductive approach (i.e. having learners find out
rules through the presentation of adequate linguistic forms in the target language)
Centrality of spoken language (including a native-like pronunciation)
Classroom instructions are conducted exclusively in the target language.
Only everyday vocabulary and sentences are taught during the initial phase;
grammar, reading and writing are introduced in intermediate phase.
Oral communication skills are built up in a carefully graded progression organized
around question-and answer exchanges between teachers and students in small,
intensive classes.
Grammar is taught inductively. New teaching points are introduced orally.
Concrete vocabulary is taught through demonstration, objects, and pictures;
association of ideas teaches abstract vocabulary. Both speech and listening
comprehensions are taught.
Techniques
Reading aloud, Question and answer exercise, getting students to self-correct,
conversation practice, fill in the blanks exercise, dictation, map drawing, paragraph
writing.
Teachers Role
The role of the teacher is of great importance. The teacher directs class activities,
encourage students to participate in class and corrects their mistakes immediately.
But students and teacher are partners in the learning process.
Students Role
Students are very active. Oral communication skills are emphasized, there is a
large amount of Learner-Learner interaction.
Error Correction
The teacher, using various techniques, tries to get students to self-correct
whenever possible.
Use of Mother Tongue
Students native language should not be used in the classroom.
Advantages
One of its positive points is that it promises to teach the language and not about
the language. It is a natural method, which teaches language in the same way the
mother tongue is acquired. Only the target language is used and the learning is
contextualized. Its emphasis on speech made it more attractive for those who have
needs of real communication in the target language.
Disadvantages
Schools do not have enough material and resources to follow this method. Also
most teacher are not good prepared because they have inaccurate pronunciation
of English and they have a limited knowledge of the language. It is focused in
speaking and ignores the reading, writing and listening skills.
TPR
Student s profile
This a group of the first grade of primary school. It is comprised of 18 boys and 20
girls. They do not have any prior knowledge of the English language. The group is
very participative, they enjoy the class and their learning is very productive
because of their parents help at home reinforcing the lesson acquired in the
school.
Aim activity.
Students will be able to reproduce and imitate instructions and commands used in
the everyday class through games.
Simon says.
Teacher first model the action, says the command, and ask students to repeat and
say the teacher is doing.
Teacher say: Simon says: Open the door, the teacher goes and do the action and
ask a student to do the same.
Teacher says: Simon says: Stand up, the teacher model the action and students
imitate.
Teacher say: Simon says: Sit down, the teacher model the action and students
imitate.
After students relate the action and the commands, the teacher ask again to the
students to the action but now within modeling.
Students work in pairs and ask each other to do the action and they reproduce the
commands.
REFERENCES
British Council. Direct method. Disponible en lnea en:
https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/direct-method. Accesado el 6 de
marzo del 2016.
Larsen,D. Techniques and principles in language teaching.Pdf. Disponible en
lnea en:https://let590.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/larsen-freeman-techniques-
and-principles-in-language-teaching.pdf. Accesado el 6 de marzo del 2016.
Notes google. Direct Method Advantages and Disadvantage. Disponible en linea
en:http://notesgoogle.com/explain-briefly-direct-method-advantages-and-disadvantage/. Accesado
el 6 de marzo del 2013.
