Question: What is direct method (DM)? How is it different from Grammar Translation Method (GTM)?
Direct Method
The method of teaching foreign language without the use of mother tongue is called a direct method. It only uses target language to teach target language. It is also called natural language because the learners who follow direct method do not use mother tongue to learn second language.
According to Oxford Advanced American Dictionary, the direct method is a way of teaching a foreign language and not treating the study of grammar as the most important thing.
So, the direct method is a system of teaching a foreign language using only that language.
Differences between GTM and DM or GTM vs DM: Grammar Translation Method and Direct Method, both are leading methods of second language teaching, but they are conspicuously different from each other in respect of the following fields.
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Goal of method
GTM: The students should be able to read literature written in the target language.
DM: The students should learn how to communicate in the target language.
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Skills of method
GTM: Reading and writing skills are improved in GTM.
DM: Spoken and listening skills are the main focus of DM.
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Role of the teacher
GTM: The teacher is the authority in the classroom.
DM: The teacher and students are more like partners in teaching- learning procedure.
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Role of the students
GTM: The students play a passive role and do what the teacher instructs.
DM: The students play an active role with interactional participation.
More Notes of ELT
Characteristic of teaching and learning process
GTM: Accuracy of grammar and translation is emphasized. Grammar is taught in deductive method. Students are ordered to memorize vocabulary meaning equivalent to mother tongue and in GTM speaking and listening receive little or no attention.
DM: Grammar is taught in inductive method. Speaking and listening are taught based on native like pronunciation and correct grammar. Vocabulary is taught through synonyms and antonyms directly.
Role of students’ native language
GTM: The students’ native language is mostly used for translation.
DM: The students’ native language is a secondary tool in the classroom because it is hardly used.
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Teacher’s responding to the students’ errors
GTM: Students’ errors are corrected by the teacher.
DM: Students’ errors are left for self-correction.
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Label of students
GTM: All labels of students are fit and could be matched.
DM: Only enthusiastic students are perfect.
Conclusion: To conclude, both the methods are vividly opposite to each other. The weaknesses of Grammar Translation Method are the strength of Direct Method or vice versa at all.
