Methods of Teaching English

Submitted by, Neethu P. K. No. 12 English

Methods of Teaching

Grammar – Translation Method

Direct Method

Bi-lingual Method

Grammar – translation Method

Also known as classical method. The originator of the method was a German scholar called J. V. Medinger. “Under this method, the meaning of English words, phrases and sentences is taught by means of word for word translation into the mother tongue” ( Champion H.).

Main Principles

I. A second language can be easily learnt through translation, andi. grammar is the soul of language.

Advantages of the Grammar – Translation Method

It saves time and effort as translation gives meaning more quickly than definitions.It enriches learner’s vocabulary more easily.Correct knowledge of the grammar is insisted.Less teaching – learning aids are required.Clear distinction between the two languages is possible.Reading with understanding is promoted andit can be successfully used in a crowded class.

Disadvantages of the Grammar – Translation Method

Speaking gets very small role. There is less chance for creative and imaginative

thinking. The learners are likely to be bookish. The unit of teaching is a word not a complete

sentence. It is not easy to keep all listeners active. The use of vernacular may become dominant and some usage idioms may not have true translation.

Direct Method

Evolved in 1901 in France. “The foreign word or group of words should be associated with its meaning direct, without the intervention of the native speech” (Louis de Glen).

Main Principles

i. Direct association of experience and expression.ii. Inhibition of mother tongue.iii. Taking sentence as the unit of expression.

Advantages of Direct Method

It emphasises oral and speech practice, right pronunciation, stress, etc.It makes direct association between thought and expression.It makes learning easy and pleasant.It can help cover more content in less time.It is more suitable to teach idioms.It is psychologically sound as the procedure is from concrete to abstract and form particular to general.

Disadvantages of the Direct Method

There will be shortage competent teachers to teach in this method.It gives over emphasise to oral work.It is less effective for average/ below average students.It is expensive or hard in respect of teaching aids.Course books may not be available as required.

Bi–lingual Method

Evolved by C. J. Dodson of Wales. He recommended controlled and limited use of mother tongue in teaching the second language.

Main Principles

i. Situations are significantii. All the language skills are equally important.iii. Fluency of speech is constantly attended to iv. Oral skill has priority in the early stages.

Advantages of Bi-lingual Method

The teacher can save time as the mother tongue is used.An average teacher can use this method in the class.It is economical, as use of teaching aid is minimum.Mother tongue acquisition rules are helpful in this method.

Disadvantages of Bi-lingual Method

If the teachers are note equally conversant in both the languages , this method will not be effective.In cases where the linguistic features of the two languages are entirely different this method will create confusion among the students.This method is not at all desirable or applicable in higher classes.

Thank youThank you