Grammar-translation Method

1
Unit 2

• Grammar-translation Method

2
Pre-task

1. How does the method get the name?
2. Why is the method also called the classical
   method?
3. What are the classical languages?
4. What are the goals of using the method?
5. What skills are emphasized?

3
Origin

• In the Western world, foreign language learning
  in schools was synonymous with the learning of
  Greek or Latin. Latin was thought to promote
  intellectuality through mental gymnastics
  (exercise) and was taught by the Classical
  Method, whose focus was on grammatical rules,
  memorization of vocabulary and translation of
  texts, and doing written exercises. Little
  thought was given at the time to teaching oral
  use of language and foreign languages were taught
  as any other skill.
• This approach became the Grammar-Translation
  Method late in the 19th century.

4
Goals

• it helps students read and appreciate foreign
  language literature
• through the deductive study of the grammar of the
  target language, students would become more
  familiar with the grammar of their native
  language
• that will help them grow intellectually
  (mental-discipline theory)
• reading and writing are the major focus
• accuracy is emphasized

5
Curriculum Design

• teachers role teacher-centered
• learners role passive
• L1s role dominant
• Classroom interaction teacher-student
  interaction
• Activity design and evaluation early reading of
  difficult classical texts, translation, rote
  memory (p.19) of lists of isolated words
  classroom quizzes and formal written tests

6
Advantages

• reading training and easily constructed tests of
  grammar and translations which can be graded
  objectively
• few specialized skills required on the teacher

7
Disadvantages

• an inability of students to use L2 for
  communication
• tedious approach
• no theory/rationale to support it in terms of
  linguistics, psychology or educational theory
• little attention to the content of texts

8
After-task

• Do you think the method is out of date?
• What kind of students suits the method?
• Is it still used in Taiwan? Why or why not?