The direct method of teaching, which is sometimes called the natural method, and is often (but not exclusively) used in teaching foreign languages, refrains from using the learners' native language and uses only the target language. It was established in Germany and France around 1900 and contrasts with the grammar–translation method and other traditional approaches, as well as with C.J.Dodson's bilingual method. It was adopted by key international language schools such as Berlitz and Inlingua in the 1970s and many of the language departments of the Foreign Service Institute of the U.S. State Department in 2012.

In general, teaching focuses on the development of oral skills. Characteristic features of the direct method are: teaching concepts and vocabulary through pantomiming, real-life objects and other visual materials teaching grammar by using an inductive approach (i.e. having learners find out rules through the presentation of adequate linguistic forms in the target language) centrality of spoken language (including a native-like pronunciation) focus on question-answer patterns.

DEFINITION Direct method is a method of teaching language directly establishing a direct or immediate association between experience and expression, between the English word, phrase or idiom and its meaning through demonstration, dramatization without the use of the mother tongue

Aims 1 Direct method aims to build a direct relation between experience and language, word and idea, thought and expression 2 This method intends for students to learn how to communicate in the target language 3 This method is based on the assumption that the learner should experience the new language in the same way as he/she experienced his/her mother tongue.

Essentials No translation 1 Concepts are taught by means of objects or by natural contexts 2 Oral training helps in reading and writing 3 Grammar is taught indirectly 4

In short, the principles of the Direct Method are as follows: Classroom instruction is conducted in the target language. There is an inductive approach to grammar Only everyday vocabulary is taught Concrete vocabulary is taught through pictures and objects, while abstract is taught by association of ideas The learner is actively involved in using the language in realistic everyday situations Students are encouraged to think in the target language Speaking is taught first before reading or writing This method states that the printed word should be kept away from the second language learner for as long as possible Translation is completely banished from any classroom activity. Classroom activities are carried out only in the target language Use of chain activities accompanied by verbal comments like: I go to the door. I open the door. I close the door. I return to my place. I sit down. (called the Gouin series) Grammar is taught inductively (i.e. having learners find out rules through the presentation of adequate linguistic forms in the target language) Emphasis is put on correct pronunciation and grammar

Reading aloud Question answer exercise Self correction Conversation practice Fill-in-the-blank exercise Dictation And paragraph writing

ADVANTAGES It is a natural method. It teaches the second or foreign language in the same way as one learns one`s mother tongue. There is no gap between active and passive vocabulary. This method is based on sound principles of education. DISADVANTAGES Major fallacy of Direct Method was belief the second language should be learned in way in which first language was acquired- by total immersion technique. First language learning is essential part of child`s total growth of awareness of world around him. Language is a part of an intrinsic process through which child learns to recognize or deal with new situations.

In direct method, teachers introduce a new target language word or phrase to the students and there is no mother tounge. Therefore, the role of the teacher is as demonstrator because the teacher demonstrates the meaning of words through the use of realia, pictures, or pantomime; they never translate it into the students native language. The teacher is also a facilitator because he facilitates the students with the target language. The teacher is the source for the students to know the words in target language. The teachers provide information of the target language including the culture consisting of the history of the people who speak the target language. The teacher is the partner of the students. Teachers interact with the students a lot, asking them questions about relevant topics and trying to use the grammatical structure of the day in the conversation.

The teacher and the students are more like partners in the teaching/learning process. Teacher/student interaction became fuller, guessing of context or content, completing fill-ins, and doing cloze exercises were the order of the day. The students role in direct method is the active learner. They are active in exploring new words, expression, etc. in target language. The students are also the observer and practitioner. In direct method, the students observe the target language used by the teacher in teaching and they try to get the meaning based on the demonstration given and then they will practice the target language they observed and they use it to communicate with their friends and teacher in classroom.