The Direct Method of Language Teaching

The direct method of teaching English, also known as the natural method, is an approach to language instruction that emphasizes the use of the target language as the primary tool for learning. In this method, the teacher avoids the use of the learners' native language and relies on the use of the target language for instruction. 

The direct method of teaching English has a long history that can be traced back to the late 19th century. It emerged as a reaction to the grammar-translation method, which was the dominant approach to language instruction at the time. The grammar-translation method relied heavily on the memorization of grammar rules and the translation of literary texts, with little emphasis on speaking and listening skills.

The direct method was developed as a more natural and communicative approach to language instruction. Its proponents believed that language learning should be similar to the way children acquire their first language, through exposure to the language in context and through communication with others.

One of the earliest proponents of the direct method was François Gouin, a French linguist who developed a method for teaching French based on the principles of observation and imitation. Gouin believed that language learning should be based on the acquisition of habits and patterns of speech, rather than the memorization of rules. Another important figure in the development of the direct method was Maximilian Berlitz, a German-born language teacher who founded the Berlitz language schools. Berlitz emphasized the importance of teaching language through immersion and interaction, with the teacher using only the target language in the classroom. Other proponents of the direct method included Charles Berlitz, the grandson of Maximilian Berlitz, and Marcel Method, a French teacher who developed a method for teaching English based on the direct method principles.

In the early 20th century, the direct method gained popularity in language schools and colleges in Europe and the United States. However, its popularity declined after World War II, as other approaches to language instruction, such as the audio-lingual method and communicative language teaching, emerged. Today, the direct method is still used in some language schools and by some language teachers who believe in its principles of natural communication and immersion. However, it is not as widely used as it once was, and it has been largely superseded by more communicative and task-based approaches to language instruction.

Principles of Direct Method

1. The target language should be used as much as possible.

2. Learning should be focused on communication and interaction rather than grammar rules.

3. Vocabulary and grammar are taught in context rather than as isolated elements.

4. Reading and writing skills are developed after the oral skills.

Features:

1. The teacher uses the target language exclusively in the classroom.

2. Lessons are focused on conversation, and grammar rules are not taught explicitly.

3. Vocabulary is taught through pictures, objects, and situations, rather than translations.

4. Correct pronunciation and intonation are emphasized.

Advantages of Direct Method

1. Students learn to communicate in the target language quickly and effectively.

2. Students develop listening and speaking skills naturally and easily.

3. The direct method is particularly effective for beginner-level students who have little or no prior knowledge of the language.

4. It encourages students to think in the target language rather than translate from their native language.

Disadvantages:

1. The direct method can be challenging for students who are used to learning through grammar rules.

2. The emphasis on oral communication means that reading and writing skills may be neglected.

3. The method can be difficult to implement in larger classes where individual attention is limited.

4. Teachers need to be highly skilled and proficient in the target language to effectively use the direct method.

In summary, the direct method of teaching English emphasizes the use of the target language as the primary tool for learning. This method has its advantages, such as rapid language acquisition and natural development of speaking skills. However, it also has its disadvantages, such as neglecting reading and writing skills and being difficult to implement in larger classes.