Transcript Slide 1
Grammar-translation
Daniel Medrano
&
Jessica Rodriguez
History of Grammar-Translation
Dates back to Erasmus 1466-1536
Originally used to teach Latin and
Greek in the late 19th and early 20th
centuries
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
Characteristics of Grammar-Translation
Learners need grammar and
vocabulary
Taught deductively
Learned for passing English written
Exams
Extensive memorization of
Rules
Grammatical paradigms
Verb conjugations
Teacher’s Role
Requires little training
Control of classroom
Follows text book format
Little interaction with students
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
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
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.
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
Current Application
Used with other methods such as
Direct Method
Audio-lingual
Silent Way
Total Physical Response
Preferred by international student
because they are used to rigid
educational systems.
Used in many Asian countries
Used in higher educational institutions
Lesson
Translate the following into English on
your own paper.
Wie sagt man auf deutsch:
Yo quiero comer comida de perro.
Wure es dhe baurum?
Whath is Your name?
References for PPT:
Richard-Amato, Patricia A. (2003). Making It Happen:
From Interactive to Participatory Language Teaching. (3rd
Edition), Longman, White Plains, New York.
Thuleen, Nancy. “The Grammar-Translation Method.”
Website Article. 24 October 1996.
<http.//www.nthuleen.com/papers/720reprot.html>
Brown, H.D (1994). Principles of Language Learning and
Teaching (3rd edition). Anglewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
Prentice Hall.
Richards, J.C. and T.S. Rodgers. (1986). Approaches and
Methods in Language Teaching. Cambridge University
Press.
http://www.esperatnic.org/esf/f-r3.htm
www.ncela.gwu.edu/