Direct Method

ORIGIN
established in Germany and France around 1900;
the outcome of a reaction against the Grammar Translation Method;
based on the assumption that the learner of a foreign language should think directly in the target language.
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES
teaching vocabulary through pantomiming, realia and other visuals;
teaching grammar by using an inductive approach;
centrality of spoken language;
focus on question-answer patterns;
teacher-centeredness.
PRINCIPLES
Classroom instructions are conducted exclusively in the target language.
Only everyday vocabulary and sentences are taught.
Oral communication skills are built up in a carefully graded progression organized around question-and-answer exchanges between teachers and students in small, intensive classes. …