𝐃𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐃

 The direct method, also known as "the natural method" is currently the most used method in language academies around the world. This method is characterized by using exclusively the target language in class, having a more active interaction between teacher and student, and being highly dynamic since one of the main objectives of this method is to relate the language to the student's experiences. This method was established in Germany and France at the beginning of the 20th century and has been adopted by renowned academies such as Berlitz and Alliance Française.

Among the early adopters in the USA was German linguist Maximilian Berlitz (1852-1921). He became convinced of the effectiveness of this method when he fell ill and was forced to entrust French teaching to one of his assistants who did not speak a word of English. 

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The philosophy of this method is to teach the target language in the way native speakers of a language acquire their mother tongue: conversations, music, objects, and social interactions. There is little grammatical analysis and the focus is more on developing conversational skills. 

PROS AND CONS

Pros

- Teaching grammar by using an inductive approach 

- There is a strong focus on vocabulary and conversational skills.

- The class focuses on the students and not so much on the teacher's intervention.

- Stress free and supportive environment.

Cons

- It can be somewhat distracting.

- Without a proper program, the topics taken in class may not be appropriate for the language level of the students.

- The teacher must put a lot of effort into activities or the students will stop making progress in their learning.

COMMON TECHNIQUES

- Question-answer exercises

- Read of texts on a specific topic

- Proliferation of examples

- Listening comprehension activities

- Reading aloud exercises