The learning of a second or foreign language is not a natural process. it is on the will of the learner to learn for his own development. so teaching English as a language or a foreign language by observing the principles of language acquisitions is the direct method. for better understanding let us, summarize some of the features of the direct method.
1. No translation in the mother tongue.
The direct bond between ideas and expression, feelings and expression, objects and expression enables learners to associate everything directly in the target language.
2. No formal teaching of Grammar:
The teacher presents each sentence with the help of appropriate action and situation. Every effort is made to understand the language in the context in order to build a direct association with the expression and the context in which sentence is uttered.
3. Oral work is very necessary for the teaching of language:
Oral activities are prime in this method. they are intensively carried out in the beginning and later other aspects of the language. This method is full of activities on the part of the teacher as well as learners.
4. Sentences taught as the unit of the language:
The direct method is full of activities, which are natural and interesting for learners. The meanings of words are taught with the help of gestures, postures, actions etc. It enables learners to establish a direct bond between word and expression.
5. Words are taught not by giving meaning
Grammar is taught indirectly and inductively. The mere teaching of grammar kills the interest and initiative in learning. In the words of. H.Champions, " The learning of grammar is not a pre-condition for learning a language." In the direct method, learning precedes grammar.
* English teaching methods Techniques:
The teacher who makes use of this method cannot use mother tongue. A learning environment is a precondition in teaching strategies.
Some of the useful techniques are listed below.
- The teacher is to make effective use of interactive activities.
- The teacher is to introduce language items in situations so learners can use them in effective conversation in different situations.
- The teacher is to present models, charts, objects, etc, forgetting words directly in the target language. He is introducing a new sentence pattern with a particular activity or action.
English teaching methods advantages and disadvantages.
* Advantages:
1. It is a natural method that based on scientific principles of language acquisition. The learners are taught the second or foreign language as they have learned their mother tongue.
2. The fluency in speech is an essential and integrated component of language learning. This method emphasizes the learning the language without the intervention of the mother tongue.
3. The pronunciations, accents, intonation, and rhythm are essential for better and effective communication.
4. This method stresses the importance of the most scientific learning principle, 'learning by doing'. Thus it promotes multi-sensory learning.
5. It observes the scientific path of language acquisition: LSRW.
6. It enables learners to enjoy the language. So the learners to start using the language without fear.
* Disadvantages:
1. This method is not much help to average students because it aims at the active command over the language.
2. This method ignores the reading and writing aspects of language learning.
3. It is very difficult to get the meanings of words like chastity, honesty, generosity, etc.
4. This method requires many audio-visual aids, which are very expensive so our schools cannot afford such equipment.
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