Grammar-Translation Method

Grammar-Translation method - ROLES OF THE TEACHER AND STUDENTS

Traditional roles: T --> authority --> says what to do and evaluates SS --> follow instructions

Cognates

- SS learn the spelling or sound patterns that correspond between languages (cognates), e.g. Eng opportunity --> Span oportunidad - SS memorize the meaning of false cognates

Vocabulary exercises

- find synonyms in the text - find antonyms in the text - explain the meaning of the words as you understand them in the text - other V exercises

Translation of a literary passage

- original TL text or specially written by the T - provides the focus for G & V in subsequent lessons - written or spoken translation, or both

Grammar-Translation method - TECHNIQUES

- translation of a literary passage - reading comprehension questions - vocabulary exercises - cognates - deductive application of rule - fill-in-the blanks - memorizations - use words in sentences - composition

Grammar-Translation method - CHARACTERISTICS OF TEACHING/LEARNNG PROCESS

1. SS translate written texts from/to the TL 2. G is taught deductively --> T gives the rule and examples --> SS memorise --> SS use the rule in exercises and translations 3. SS memorise grammmar paradigms, e.g. irregular verbs 4. SS memorise TL vocabulary with L1 equivalents

Grammar-Translation method - GOALS

1. SS will read and appreciate literature in the TL and will develop intellectually, hence the need to know G & V 2. SS will understand and use their L1 better 3. SS will develop their minds thanks to the practice of memorizing TL V & G rules

Grammar-Translation method - ROLE OF L1

1. TL meaning is made clear through translation into L1 2. L1 is mostly used in classroom interactions

Grammar-Translation method

A way of teaching languages in which students are taught grammar deductively and memorise vocabulary items, which are later used in controlled exercises and to translate from/to the TL. Commmunicative skills are not practiced. L1 is heavily used in the lesson. The focus is on accuracy.

Grammar-Translation method - S-T INTERACTION / S-S INTERACTION

Mostly T-->S or T-->SS Little S-S interaction Little S initiation

Reading comprehension questions

Group 1 - ask about information contained in the text Group 2 - SS make inferences Group 3 - SS relate the text to their own experience

Grammar-Translation method - LANGUAGE AREAS AND SKILLS EMPHASIZED

Language areas: V & G - main; P - almost no attention Skills: R & W - main; S & L - much less attention

Grammar-Translation method - VIEW ON LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

Literary L is superior to spoken L Culture - literature and fine arts

Fill-in-the blanks

SS fill in the blanks with new V & G, e.g. preposition, verb tenses etc.

Memorization

SS memorize: - V with TL equivalents - G rules - G paradigms, e.g. irregular verbs

Grammar-Translation method - DEALING WITH ERRORS

SS must get the correct answers In case of incorrect / no answer: - T asks another S - T gives the correct answer

Composition

SS write: - a composition based upon some aspect of the R passage - a precis of the R passage

Grammar-Translation method - DEALING WITH STUDENTS' FEELINGS

SS's feelings are not dealth with in this method

Deductive application of rule

T gives the rule + example Exceptions are also noted SS memorise the rule SS apply the rule to other examples

Grammar-Translation method - EVALUATION

Written tests: - translation from/to the TL - questions about the target culture - questions that ask to apply grammar rules