The Direct Method
(DM)
Language Teaching
Dr. Omar Albakbak
Mona A. Elmogasbi
Fall, 2024
Contents
• General Background
• DM VS. GTM
• How is language viewed?
• DM principles
• Techniques
• Advantages VS. Disadvantages
General Background
The Direct Method (DM) was established in Europe in the
nineteenth century.
It was a result of the Reform Movement against GTM.
The main purpose of DM is the mastery of target language
orally (communicatively).
General Background
The DM has one very basic rule: No translation is
allowed. In fact, the Direct Method receives its name
from the fact that meaning is to be conveyed directly
in the target language through the use of
demonstration and visual aids, with no recourse to
the students’ native language.
How is DM distinguished from GTM?
The Grammar Translation Method The Direct Method
Maintains close association between TL Avoids close association between TL and
and the
the mother tongue mother tongue
Lays emphasis on translation Lays emphasis on speech
Follows adults way of learning an FL Follows child’s natural way of learning L1
Teaches the language by rules Teaches the language by use
Teaches grammar deductively Teaches grammar inductively
The DM Principles
Students learn to think in the target language.
The teacher and the students are more like partners in the
teaching-learning process.
Native language is not allowed in the classroom.
Vocabulary or phrases are demonstrated through realia
(pictures or objects), acts, or pantomime.
The DM Principles
Concrete vocabulary is introduced using demonstrations,
objects, and pictures, while abstract vocabulary is taught
through context and associations.
Instruction emphasizes practical vocabulary and everyday
sentences, supporting real-life communication.
Grammar is taught inductively: conclusions drawn from
examples.
The DM Principles
The teacher uses question-and-answer exchanges to practice
sentence patterns and promote interaction.
Errors are corrected immediately and directly, helping
students to self-correct and improve accuracy.
Student-teacher interaction and active student involvement are
central to the learning process.
The target language is used exclusively in instruction,
immersing students fully in the language environment
How is language viewed?
• Language is primarily spoken not written.
• Language is used for communication.
• Vocabulary Acquisition is emphasized through exposure to TL
use in situations (contextualized).
• Speech and listening comprehension take precedence, with
reading and writing introduced at later stages.
• The basic unit of language is sentence.
Assessment
Students are required to use the language, not to
demonstrate their knowledge about the language.
They are expected to use both written and oral
skills.
For example, the student is interviewed
orally or might be asked to write a paragraph
about something they have learned.
Techniques of Direct Method
Fill-in-the-blanks exercise
Dictation
Map drawing
Paragraph writing
Techniques of Direct Method
Reading aloud
Question and answer exercise
Self-correction
Conversation practice
Advantages Disadvantages
DM improves Over-emphasis on oral
pronunciation. practice: skills namely
DM develops the reading and writing are
communicative competence ignored.
as well as fluency. Requires teachers with
Creates suitable native-like fluency.
environment for learning Must use TL only.
TL. Time limitation.
Learning is more interesting:
use of realia.
Does the direct method work in public schools?
The Direct Method did not take well in public schools where the
constraints of budget, classroom size, time, and teacher
background (native speakers or native-like fluency) made
such a method difficult to apply.
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References
Larsen-Freeman, D., & Anderson, M. (2011). Techniques and principles in
language teaching. (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press. New York
Richards, J. C., & Rodgers, T. S. (2014). Approaches and methods in
language teaching (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press