The Direct Method

The Direct is not new, it was revived as a method when the goal of instruction became learning how to use the target language communicatively. 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. It has one very basic rule: No translation is allowed. The class we observe is at the end of its first year of English language instruction in as scuola media. According of experience, the lesson is entitled ‘Looking at a map’. As the students are called on one by one, they read a sentence from the reading passage at the beginning of the lesson.

Thinking about the Experience
1.Reading in target language should be taught from the beginning of language instruction. Language is primarily speech. Culture consists of more than the fine arts.
2.Teachers use realia or picture as object to help students understand the meaning.
3.The native language should not be used in classroom.
4.The teacher should demonstrate, not explain or translate.
5.Students should learn to think in the target language.
6.The purpose of language learning is communication.
7.Pronunciation should be worked on right from the beginning of language instruction.
8.Self-correction facilities language learning.
9.Lessons should contain some conversational activity.
10.Grammar should be taught inductively.
11.Using dictation to students, because writing is important skill.
12.Learning another language also involves learning how speakers of that language live.

Principles :
1. Classroom instructions are conducted exclusively in the target language.
2. Only everyday vocabulary and sentences are taught.
3. 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.
4. Grammar is taught inductively.
5. New teaching points are introduced orally.
6. Concrete vocabulary is taught through demonstration, objects, and pictures; abstract vocabulary is taught by association of ideas.
7. Both speech and listening comprehensions are taught.
8. Correct pronunciation and grammar are emphasized.
9. Student should be speaking at least 80% of the time during the lesson.
10. Students are taught from inception to ask questions as well as answer them.
Historical context