"Direct Method"

TEFL II

The material about the Direct Method

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Created by :

Name : Firdaus

Class  : B/ B. Inggris

NPM : 10020311 045

ENGLISH PROGRAM

LANGUAGE EDUCATION AND ART DEPARTMENT

STKIP YPM BANGKO

TAHUN AKADEMIK 2011/2012

DIRECT METHOD ( DM )

A.     Background

As a reaction to Grammar Translation Method, by the end 19^th century, some advocates of active classroom method had considerable influence on foreign language teachers. They believed that students learnt to speak by speaking it ( Richards, 1986 ).

They tried to apply natural principle to language class by using intensive oral intensive oral in the target language. They believed that the L2 could be taught without translation. According to them, a language could be best taught by using it in the classroom. These oral and natural principles of language learning provide the foundation of Direct Method.

The ultimate aim of Direct Method is to develop the ability to think in the L2, whether conversing, reading, or writing. This new emphasis on the foreign language as medium interaction means that correct pronunciation becomes as important consideration.

B.     Principles

Richards ( 1986 ) stresses the following principles of Direct Method :

1.      The learner must try to think directly in foreign language.

2.       The foreign language must be constantly used without any allowance for the L1 use.

3.      Classroom interaction is conducted exclusively in the L2.

4.      Only everyday vocabulary and sentences are taught.

5.      Oral communication skills are built up in a carefully graded progression.

6.      Grammar is taught inductively.

7.      New teaching points are introduced orally.

8.      Concrete vocabulary is taught through demonstration, objects, and pictures.

9.      Both speech and listening comprehension are taught.

10.  Correct pronunciation and grammar are emphasized.

C.     Usual Classroom Techniques  

1.      The learner is drilled extensively in listening, imitating, and speaking.

2.      Grammar is taught inductively through example and demonstration.

3.      Emphasis is on aural- oral proficiency.

4.      Normal conversation is really encouraged by asking questions.