The Direct Approach

This approach was developed initially as a reaction to the grammar-translation approach in an attempt to integrate more use of the target language in instruction.

Features of the Direct Approach

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 traded progression organized around question-and-answer exchanges

between teachers and students in small, intensive classes.

4. Lessons begin with a dialogue using a modern conversational style in the target language. 

5. New teaching points are taught through modeling and

practice. 

Features of the Direct Approach (Contd.)

6. Concrete vocabulary is taught through demonstration, objects, and pictures; abstract vocabulary is taught by association of ideas.

7. The mother tongue is NEVER, NEVER used. There is no translation.

8. Both speech and listening comprehension are taught.

9.   Correct pronunciation and grammar are emphasized.

10. The preferred type of exercise is a series of questions in the target language based on the dialogue or an anecdotal narrative.

Features of the Direct Approach (Contd.)

11. Grammar is taught inductively--rules are generalized from the practice and experience with the target language. 

12. Verbs are used first and systematically conjugated only much later after some oral mastery of the target language. 

13. Advanced students read literature for comprehension and pleasure.

14. The culture associated with the target language is also taught inductively.

15. Culture is considered an important aspect of learning the language.

Typical Techniques of the Direct Approach

(1)  Reading Aloud (Reading sections of passages, plays or dialogs out loud) (2)  Question and Answer Exercise (Asking questions in the target language and having students answer in full sentences)

(3)  Student Self-Correction (Teacher facilitates opportunities for students to self correct using follow-up questions, tone, etc) (4) Conversation Practice (Teacher asks students and students ask students questions using the target language)

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Typical Techniques of the Direct Approach (Contd.)

(5)  Fill-in-the-blank Exercise (Items use target language only and inductive rather than explicit grammar rules)

(6)  Dictation (Teacher reads passage aloud various amount of times at various tempos, students writing down what they hear)

(7)  Paragraph Writing (Students write paragraphs in their own words

using the target language and various models)

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