Grammar-translation Daniel Medrano & Jessica Rodriguez

History of Grammar-Translation  Dates back to Erasmus  Originally used to teach Latin and Greek in the late 19 th and early 20 th 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. (3 rd Edition), Longman, White Plains, New York.  Thuleen, Nancy. “The Grammar-Translation Method.” Website Article. 24 October  Brown, H.D (1994). Principles of Language Learning and Teaching (3 rd edition). Anglewood Cliffs, New Jersey. Prentice Hall.  Richards, J.C. and T.S. Rodgers. (1986). Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching. Cambridge University Press.  