As with the Grammar-Translation Method, the Direct Method is not new. Its principles have been applied by language teachers for many years. Most recently, it was revived as a method when the goal of instruction became learning how to use another language to communicate. Since the Grammar-Translation Method was not very effective in preparing students to use the target language communicatively, the Direct Method became popular.

The Direct Method has one very basic rule: No translation is allowed. In fact, the Direct Method receives its name from the fact that meaning is to be conveyed directly in the target language through the use of demonstration and visual aids, with no recourse to the students’ native language.

1. Reading in the target language should be taught from the beginning of language instruction; however, the reading skill will be developed through practice with speaking. Language is primarily speech. Culture consists of more than fine arts.

2. The teacher should demonstrate, not explain or translate. It is desirable that students make a direct association between the target language form and meaning.

3. Students should learn to think in the target language as soon as possible. Vocabulary is acquired more naturally if students use it in full sentences, rather than memorizing word lists.

4. The purpose of language learning is communication (therefore, students need to learn how to ask questions as well as answer them).

5. Pronunciation should be worked on right from the beginning of language instruction.

6. Lessons should contain some conversational activity- some opportunity for students to use language in real contexts. Students should be encouraged to speak as much as possible.

7. Grammar should be taught inductively. There may never be an explicit grammar rule given.

8. Objects present in the immediate classroom environment should be used to help students understand the meaning.

9. The syllabus used in the Direct Method is based upon situations (for example, one unit would consist of language that people would use at a bank, another of the language that they use when going shopping) or topics (such as geography, money, or the weather).

1. Conversation Practice

The teacher asks students a number of questions in the target language, which they have to understand to be able to answer correctly. The questions contain a particular grammar structure. Later, the students were able to ask each other their own questions using the same grammatical structure.

2. Question and Answer Exercise

This exercise is conducted only in the target language. Students are asked question and answer in full sentences so that they practice new words and grammatical structures. They have the opportunity to ask questions as well as answer them.

中文關鍵字：直接教學法

英文關鍵字：The Direct Method

Diane Larsen-Freeman and Marti Anderson.Techniques & Principles in Language Teaching. Third Edition, Oxford University Press,2011 p 25~33