GRAMMAR TRANSLATION METHOD

v  Grammar-Translation Method

-       traditional method of second language teaching in schools

-       Most common language teaching method

-       Stressed the literacy development

-       Method is two-fold

-       Teacher centered

v       Objectives of GTM

-       To be able to read literature written in  the target language

-       To be able to translate from one language to another

-       To develop reading and writing skill

v  Characteristics of Grammar-Translation

-       Learners need grammar and vocabulary

-       Taught deductively

-       Learned for passing English written Exams

-       Extensive memorization of

o  Rules

o  Grammatical paradigms

o  Verb conjugations

v  Teacher’s Role

-       Requires little training

-       Control of classroom

-       Follows text book format

-       Little interaction with students

v  Student’s Role

-       memorize vocabulary

-       verb declensions

-       learn rules of grammar

-       take dictation

-       translate written passages

-       Right answers are expected

-       Little interaction with teachers and other students

v  Techniques

-       Translation of literary passage

-       Reading comprehension questions

-       Use of antonyms/synonyms

-       Use of cognates

-       Deductive application of a rule

-       Fill-in-the-blanks

-       Memorization

-       Use words in sentences; and

-       composition

v  Advantages

•      Easiest for teachers to use

•      Does not require teachers to speak good English or make good lesson preparations.

•      Only uses the textbook

•      Least stressful for students-teaching occurs in the first language

•      Students learn the new language without contact with native speakers.

v  Disadvantages

-          Students lack comprehension-only translating word-for-word

-          Does not allow students to create meaning in English

-          Students do not learn to read.

-          Extensive memorization

-          Very little student/teacher and student/student interaction

v  Conclusion

The Grammar Translation Method was developed for the study of “dead” languages and to facilitate access to those languages’ classical literature.