1) The direct method for teaching vocabulary emphasizes speaking the target language exclusively in class. New words are introduced orally using real-world objects, pictures, and body movements. 2) Grammar is taught inductively and concretely. Students practice self-correction to improve pronunciation and comprehension. 3) The teacher introduces words by saying them clearly for students to repeat. Visual aids help explain meanings when students don't understand through questioning.

1. How to Teach Vocabulary using
the Direct Method
Moh. Syahrul Zaky Romadhoni
Language Advisory Council
Pondok Pesantren Riyadlul Ulum
Wadda’wah
2015

2. Why choosing the Direct Method
• Suitable for beginners
• Emphasizes on speaking
• Using the target language

3. Principles of the Direct Method
• Classroom instruction was conducted exclusively in the
target language.
• Only everyday vocabulary and sentences were taught.
• Oral communication skills were built up in carefully
graded progression organized around question-and-
answer exchanges between teachers and students in
small, intensive classes.
• Grammar was taught inductively.
• New teaching points were introduced orally.

4. Principles …
• Concrete vocabulary was taught through
demonstration, objects, and pictures; abstract
vocabulary was taught by association of ideas.
• Both speech and listening comprehension were
taught.
• Correct pronunciation and grammar were
emphasized.
• Self-correction facilitates language learning.
Adopted from: Jack C. Richards and Theodore
S. Rodgers (2002), Dianne Larsen-
Freeman (2000

5. Teaching Procedures
1. The teacher tells the word fluently and clearly
and asks the students to repeat.
2. The teacher writes down the word on the board.
3. The teacher asks the students a question
whether they understand the word.
4. Upon finding the students who have
understood the word, the teacher asks them to
tell the meaning or to put it in a sentence as a
means of ensuring their understanding.

6. 5. The teacher follows these steps when they find
no students understand the meaning of the
word;
 Using visual teaching aids
o The realia
o The picture or the sketch
o Body movement
 Using the language
o Putting a sentence showing the meaning
o Putting another sentence
o Giving example, definition or explanation
Teaching …

7. Teaching …
6. The teacher may ask some students to put a
word in a sentence, if possible. This procedure
is not suggested for all words.
7. The teacher may translate the word when they
find the students hard to understand, with
following these conditions;
 The teacher repeat the target word for many
times till the students own it.
 The teacher should not repeat the Indonesian
word.

8. Some Constraints
• Teacher’s competency in using the target
language
• Student’s readiness in putting the word in
sentences.
• The availability of the teaching aids

9. Thank You
Alhamdulillah