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Originally Posted by Margy Hello hypertokyo.
I'm confused as to what you mean by the 'direct' or 'aural' method. Can you explain? |
In the "Direct" or "Aural" method students learn English in a similar way that children acquire their native tongue. At first a student masters understanding and then, by means of repeating, speaking. The moment the correct pronunciation is learned, the reading and writing follow.
Teachers talk to students at a rate of 200-240 words per minute. It prevents from fatigue during classes and makes students concentrate on each single minute of a lesson. Thanks to it he will be able to understand real everyday speech (usually one utters 160 words a minute).
The above differs from General English classes not only in the way of teaching but also the greatly increased speed that students can start speaking the language. The disadvantage is that grammar, reading and writing skills do not develop at the same pace.
The Berlitz Method and the Callan Method are two proprietary programs established using the above principles.
My friend is looking for schools in Australia which employ a form of the Direct or Aural method in their classes. Can you help?