Introduction
The Grammar Translation method is not new. It has had different names, but it has been used by language teachers for many years. At one time it was called the classical Method since it was first used in the teaching for the purpose of helping students read and appreciate foreign language literature. Finally, it was thought that foreign language learning would probably never use the target language, but the mental exercise of learning it would be beneficial anyway.
Experience
As we enter the classroom, the class is in the middle of reading a passage in their textbook. The passage is an excerpt entitled "The Boys 'Ambition' " Mark Twain's Life on the Mississippi. When the students have finished reading and translating the passage, the teacher asked them.
In addition to questions that ask for information contained within the reading passage. After one hour the teacher speak in Spanish, ask the students to stop and check their work. One by one each students reads a question and then reads his or her response. When they have finished their work. The teacher asks the stuidents to find other examples in the excerpt.
Thinking About the Experience
This has been just a brief introduction to the Grammar Translation Method, but it is probably true that this method is not new to many of you. You may have studied a language in this way, or you may be teaching with this method right now. We will make our observation in order, following the lesson plan of the class we observed.
Reviewing the Technique
- Translation of Literary Passage
- Reading comprehension question
- Antonym or synonyms
- Cognates
- Deductive application of rule
- Fill in the Blanks
- Memorization
- Use words in sentences
- Composition
Conclusion
You have now had an opportunity to examine the principles and some of the technique the grammar translation method. Try to make a connection between what you have understood and your own teaching situation and beliefs.
