The Direct Method

Principles and procedures

1. Classroom instruction is 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
organised 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 through association of ideas.

7. Both speech and listening comprehension are taught.

8. Correct pronunciation and grammar are emphasised.

Guidelines for teaching Oral Language
1. Never translate but demonstrate

2. Never explain but act.

3. Never make a speech but ask questions.

4. Never imitate mistateks but correct.

5. Never speaks with single words but us sentences.

6. Never speak too much but make students speak much.

7. Never use the 'book' but use the lesson plan.

8. Never 'jump around' but follow the plan.

9. Never go too fast but keep the pace of the students.

10. Never speak too slowly but keep normally.

11. Never speak too quickly but speak naturally.

12. Never speak too loudly but speak naturally.

13. Never be impatient but take it easy.

Drawbacks
1. Requires teachers who are native speakers or who have ntive-like fluently.

2. Strict adherence to DM principles is often counterproductive. Teachers are
required to go to great lengths to avoid using the native tongue.