The Direct Method is a modern way of teaching a language that helps students stop
depending on translation. Its main goal is to make students think and speak directly in the
new language. In this method, the teacher shows the meaning of new words by using
pictures, actions, or real objects, instead of explaining in the students’ mother tongue.
Grammar is not taught by rules first, but students discover the rules by looking at many
examples. In this method, using the mother tongue in class is not allowed. Students are
active and must speak and listen a lot because these two skills are seen as the most
important for communication.
I believe the Direct Method is very useful for learning a new language because it helps
students speak more easily and naturally. It also builds confidence since students get used
to using the language instead of only memorizing words and rules. From this method, I
learned that real communication is more important than knowing grammar perfectly. I also
understood that when students find grammar rules by themselves, they remember them
longer and use them better. This method teaches us that language is something to be used,
not only studied.
I agree with the main idea of this method — that learning a language should be about
speaking and communication, not just translation or grammar. Many Afghan students can
read and write in English but cannot speak well, so this method can help solve that problem.
However, I do not fully agree with the idea that the mother tongue should never be used.
The book (Techniques & Principles, p. 25) says that translation is not allowed, but in
Afghanistan, sometimes a short explanation in the mother tongue — for example, a quick
meaning in Dari ( )دریor Pashto ( — )پښتوcan save time and help students understand
faster. It helps the teacher avoid wasting time trying to show a hard concept with actions
when a few words in Dari or Pashto would be enough.
If I use this method in my own class, I will speak in the new language as much as possible,
especially for simple daily instructions, so students can get used to it. When teaching new
words, I will use pictures, objects, and actions to show meaning instead of translating. I will
also write examples on the board and let students find the grammar rule by themselves.
When students make mistakes, I will guide them with simple questions, helping them
correct themselves. This way, they will feel responsible for their own learning and become
more active.
In conclusion, the Direct Method is a very effective and practical way to learn a language. It
pushes students to use the language for real communication instead of memorizing
grammar and vocabulary. Although it has a strict rule about not using the mother tongue, if
we use it with some flexibility — sometimes giving short support in Dari or Pashto — it can
work very well in Afghan classrooms. It can help students become more confident, active,
and able to speak and understand the language in real life.