The Principles of the Direct Method
- Language is first and foremost speech.Reading should be taught early, but speaking will help develop reading.
- Objects or pictures should be used to help students develop an understanding of meaning.
- No L1 language is permitted in the classroom.
- Demonstration is important, not explanation or translation.
- DO not memorise word lists- Use new vocabulary in complete sentences.
- Teach question forms
- Pronunciation is important from the start.
- Self-correction is beneficial.
- Students need to have a chance to produce language during the lesson.
- Inductive grammar is best. Grammar rules are not important.
- Teach writing early in the lessons.
- Topic based learning or functional scenarios are used to develop a syllabus.
- Culture of the target language group is an important inclusion in the lesson.