Ways of Learning and Teaching a Language - Direct Method

[english grammar man]

Direct Method

This originated in the US during WWII as a means of teaching soldiers languages very quickly. It is based on total immersion - ie. ensuring that students experience as much of the language as possible. Only the target language is used in the classroom. The mother tongue is not used at all. From the moment students enter the classroom, only the target language should be spoken. Grammar is not the focus, instead conversation is. The language is learnt through demonstration, repetition and drilling and pair work. Students learn how to use the language for communication purposes, not for test taking purposes.

This is the method most used by English teachers abroad when teaching "oral" conversation English.

Grammar Translation Method: Ways of Learning and Teaching a Language - Grammar Translation
Community Language Learning: Ways of Learning and Teaching a Language - Community Language Learning
Inductive / Discovery Approach: Ways of Learning and Teaching a Language - Inductive / Discovery Approach
Communicative Approach: Ways of Learning and Teaching a Language - Communicative Approach