Direct Method
By the end of this lecture, students
should be able to:

Develop an awareness about the
history of the Direct Method.

Recognize the nature of the Direct
Method Approach.

Define the Direct Method.

Recognize the methodology of DM.

Identify the advantages and
disadvantages of the Direct
Method .

Form an outline about the Direct
Method.
Objectives
of this
lecture
The History of the Direct Method
This method dates back to 1884 when the
German scholar and psychologist F. Frankle
provided a theoretical justification for the
method by writing about the direct
association between forms and meaning in
the target language. It is also based on the
work of Gouin, who in the 1880s observed
children learning language in natural
settings.
The nature of the Direct Method:

The direct method is a complete departure from the
grammar- translation Method. It is sometimes called
the Natural/Oral method because the aim is to teach
students in a similar way that they acquire their first
language.

The grammar-translation method relies heavily on the
written language, whereas the direct method places
the emphasis on both listening and speaking.

The Direct Method provokes interest and enthusiasm,
but it is not an easy methodology to use in a
classroom situation. It requires small classes and high
student motivation.
The nature of the Direct Method:




Grammar is taught inductively--rules are
generalized from the practice and experience
with the target language.
Lessons begin with a dialogue using a modern
conversational style in the target language.
So, Student learns by associating meaning
directly in English
Material is first presented orally with actions
or pictures.
The mother tongue is NEVER used. There is no
translation.
Definition of the Direct Method:

The Direct Method is based on the direct
involvement of the student when speaking,
and listening to, the foreign language in
common everyday situations.

Consequently, there is lots of oral
interaction, spontaneous use of the
language, no translation, and little if any
analysis of grammar rules and syntax.
The Methodology of the Direct Method
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 might use gestures
(Body Language) to explain verbs, and so on.
2- Say – The teacher verbally presents the word or sentence,
taking care to pronounce the word correctly.
3- Try – The student then tries to repeat what the teacher is
saying.
4- Correct – The teacher corrects the students and ensures that
they are pronouncing words correctly.
5- Repeat – Finally, the students repeat the word a number of times.
Here the teacher uses a number of methods for repetition, including
group repetition, single student repetition and other activities
designed to get the students to repeat the word.
Advantages of the Direct
Method:
1.
It teaches the language and doesn’t teach about the
language.
2.
Due to its emphasis on speech, it is better for students who
have a need of real communication in English.
3.
Teaching vocabulary using visual aids, which is still widely
used today when teaching English to speakers of other
languages.
4.
It makes the learning of English interesting and lively by
establishing direct bond between a word and its meaning.
5.
It is an activity method facilitating alertness and
participation of the pupils.
6.
Through this method, fluency of speech, good
pronunciation and power of expression are properly
developed.
Disadvantages of the Direct Method:
1.
It works on the assumption that a second language is
learnt exactly the same way as the first.
2.
It is hard for public schools to integrate it. “classroom
size, time, and teacher background (native speakers or
native like fluency) made such a method difficult to use.”
3.
There are many abstract words which cannot be
interpreted directly in English and much time and energy
are wasted in making attempts for the purpose.
4.
The method ignores systematic written work and reading
activities and sufficient attention is not paid to reading
and writing.
5.
There is dearth of teachers trained and interested in
teaching English in this method.
6.
This method may not hold well in higher classes where the
Translation Method is found suitable.
Application : Typical Techniques:
Specific teaching methods would include things
such as:
1.
2.
Students reading out aloud.
Question and answer exercises ( in Target
Language).
3.
Conversation practices.
4.
Dictation.
5.
Interaction among students and with the
teacher is fostered.
6.
Fill in the blank along with reading and
writing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v
=XiQvG-fvzLM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v
=qjYJsVeVMlU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v
=_oDh2gJy0YM
The End
Thank you for your
participation