State University of Tetova

English Department

Methodology

Compare and Contrast between Grammar Translation Method and Natural Method

Mentor: Prof.

Dr Vilma Tafani

Student:

Natasha Antovska

Index nr: 92/08 1

Table of Contents
Introduction.3 Methods.4 Grammar Translation Method4 Advantages..4 Disadvantages5 Natural Method5 Advantages..6 Disadvantages6 Conclusion7 References7

Introduction
Why do people study foreign language, in this case English language? Eventhough the necessity of learning foreign languages exists since the beginning of the humanity, the origins of modern language education derive from 17 th century, with the start of studying Latin as a dominant language in educational, commercial and government areas, before it became replaced with English, French and Italian. Nowadays, we are all witnesses of world globalization which means that making connections between different nations are of great importance and during the time, they became inevitable. The usage of common language is very important in great variety of areas such as trade, media, science, technology, the internet and so on. Therefore, many countries develop educational program for learning English as a foreign language. Singapore, India, Phillipines and Malaysia made English second official language. China, also considers English as very important to learn. Methodology is a science that deals with approaches, techniques, approaches, principles, strategies that can help us to teach the students to speak foreign or second language. This science combines variety of ways of learning and thru theory and practice helps both the teacher and students. Learning the methods, choosing the most efficient and the most appropriate one are of great importance for the future teachers, the more techniques they know, the better teachers they can become. Thats why constant upgrading and learning is necessary.

Methods
The methods of teaching English language are divided in two big groups, traditional and alternative methods.

Traditional Methods
Grammar-Translation method, Natural method, Direct method, Audio-Lingual method (ALM), Communicative method.

Alternative Methods
Eclecticism, Total Physical Response (TPR), Suggestopedia, Silent Way etc.

Grammar-Translation Method
This method derived from the classical methods for learning Latin and Greek in schools. In countries which were closely related with Britain or France sometimes still bear the traces of using of modified forms of Grammar-Translation method in language classrooms. In a typical Grammar-Translation class the main focus is on reading, writing and very little attention is given to speaking. The central task for the class is a literary text, reading and translation. Grammar is taught deductively, trough presentation and rules. Vocabulary is based on the studied text, words are taught thru memorization. Students are often asked to write the new words in the sentence or the text. The aim of this method is that students to become able to read advanced texts.

The classes are held in native language. The teacher has traditionally authoritarian role and the students have to listen and obey. The drills are based on translating various items and they cover the grammar of the target language.

Howatt, A History of English Language Teaching , OUP, 1984

Advantages:
Thru translating the students learn the meaning of the words very easily, they also learn and understand synonyms in mother and target language. This method Is very ease for the teacher, he doesn`t need to be very knowledgeable to implement this method.

Disadvantages:
Grammar-Translation method doesn`t obey the natural order of learning language. It neglects the speech, also the exact translation of each word and phrase is impossible.

The Natural Method

The natural method appeared as a reaction to the faults of the Grammar-Translation method. It developed in the 1900s in Germany and France. The educationalists that implement this method argued that a foreign language can be taught without translation or use of the learner`s mother tongue. This method encourage the students to think in the target language, communicating directly in the target language and does not allow translation. All of the language skills are taught from the beginning, but the emphasis is placed on speaking. Classes usually start with reading aloud of a text that introduces the learners with vocabulary and grammar. This is followed with exercises that include filling blanks, dictation, listening comprehension exercises.

Grammar is taught inductively. Teacher uses mimicry, demonstration, visual aids, games, group work to help the student to learn vocabulary and grammar.

Advantages:
The Natural Method encourages the students to speak the language, the classroom environment is more loose and friendly. The great stress is put on correct pronunciation, fluency and proficiency. The vocabulary can be rapidly extended. The language is also learnt through context and various activities.

Disadvantages:
The teachers complain that sometimes it takes too much time to explain some unknown word with mimicry, sometimes it is too hard to mime. Students became frustrated when they can`t understand the teacher`s explanation and the class is held up. Many of the textbook were written for Western school children, this creates a problem because this method depends on the text and some texts are culturally not acceptable for other cultures.

Richards & Rodgers, Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching , CUP, 2003

Similarities between the two methods

Both, Grammar-Translation an Natural Method are teacher centered and oriented. That means that the teacher has the role of explainer and informant. The other teacher roles are different.

Differences between the two methods

The main and the most noticeable difference between the Grammar-Translation method and Natural Method is the usage of the mother tongue in the first mentioned and the omission in the second method. In the first method everything is translated in the native language of the learner unlike the Natural Method where mother tongue is strictly forbidden. The other thing that is worth mentioning and elaborating is the teacher knowledge. In the Grammar-Translation method, the teacher doesn`t have posses great body of knowledge, he also doesn`t have to be well prepared for the class. In the case with the Natural Method the teacher needs to be well prepared for the class, always ready to use techniques to encourage the students to interact. The teacher should learn new things constantly, enlarge their knowledge with up to date informations. In the Grammar-Translation method grammar is taught deductively, while in the Natural method, grammar is taught inductively.

Conclusion:
The Natural method developed as a reaction to the Grammar-Translation method and as analogy to that, it corrects some of the flaws, like giving a bigger stress on the speaking and correct pronunciation. According to my opinion not using the mother tongue is not always useful, it would be easier if some translation is implemented.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methods_of_teaching_foreign_languages ( retrieved on Dec. 20th) Peace Corps TEFL/TESL: Teaching English as a Foreign or Second Language Information Collection an Exchange MOO41, May 1989