The Direct Method

1. Métodos para la
Enseñanza/Aprendizaje de las
Lenguas Extranjeras
Marian Godoy
MEALE cohorte VII

2. The Direct Method
“Teach the language NOT about the language”

3. History
➔Natural Method
➔Germany and France in 1900
➔In response to the Grammar-Translation Method
◆Inability to communicate orally
➔New language acquired as the mother tongue
◆No translation is allowed
➔Target Language

4. Principles
➔Explanations are given in L2 through demonstrations and
visual aids.
➔Grammar rules are taught inductively
➔Context/Situation
◆Everyday situations
◆Culture/way of life of L2
➔Questions and answers- Complete sentences
➔Interaction Teacher/learner, learner/learner

5. Strategies
➔Reading aloud
➔Self-correction
➔Conversation practice
➔Fill in the blanks
➔Dictation
◆1st students listen
◆2nd students listen and write
◆3rd students listen and check

6. Drawbacks
➔Native speakers - Native Like fluency
➔Dependent on teachers skills
➔Counterproductive principles
➔Restricted time available in school
➔Perceived irrelevance of conversational skills (USA)

7. Evaluation
Observing how the students
use the language