Grammar Translation Method
Evaluation in GTM
Translation is important technique to test nprogress Fill-in-the-blank type test items are also used. Synonyms, antonyms, and cognates can be asked to test vocabulary in tests. Reading passages and comprehension questions
Techniques in GTM
Translation of a Literary Passage: Sts translate a passage from the TL into their native language. passage provides focus for vocabulary and grammatical structures
Techniques in GTM
Use words in Sentences: To show that Sts understand the meaning and use of a new vocabulary, they make up sentences they use the new words.
Method
A generalized set of classroom specifications for accomplishing linguistic objectives.
Overwiev of GTM
A way of teaching in which learners study grammar and translate words and texts into their own language or the target language. They do not practise communication and there is little focus on speaking. A teacher presents a grammar rule and vocabulary lists and then learners translate a written text from their own language in to the second language or vice versa. Language is made up of grammatical rules. Language is learnt by analyzing and applying grammatical rules (study through terms, then apply in exercises). Grammatical accuracy and learning words by heart are the most important aspects
Techniques in GTM
Antonyms / Synonyms: Sts are given one set of words and are asked to find antonyms in the passage. Asking Sts to find synonyms for a particular set of words.
Techniques in GTM
Cognates: Sts are taught to recognise cognates by learning the spelling or sound patterns that correspond between the languages. Sts should be aware of "true cognates" (i.e., theatre-tiyatro) and false cognates" (i.e., apartment-apartman).
Techniques in GTM
Composition: Ts gives the Sts a topic to write about in the TL. Topic is based on some aspect of the reading passage of the lesson. Sometimes, instead of creating a composition, Sts are asked to prepare a précis
GTM extras
Culture is limited to literature and fine arts. Ts is the strict authority. Ts centred. Sts are passive receivers of the new information. Ts starts the activities and directs them. Sts are supposed to memorise the rules and new vocabulary with their meanings in their NL. Very often "Ts -Student" interactions occur. Rarely S-S interactions also occur.
Techniques in GTM
Deductive Application of Rule: Grammar rules are presented with examples. Exceptions to each rule are also noted. Once Sts understand a rule, they are asked to apply it to different examples.
GTM Learning Theory
Deductive learning is essential. First, the Ts gives rules explicitly then rules are reinforced with examples and exercises.
GTM Grammar Teaching
Deductive. Ts introduces rules explicitly and wants Sts to apply rules to new examples in exercises. Memorise the rules. To explain the rules, comparison and contract between the Sts' NL grammar and TL grammar. Translation is a way to clarify the meanings of the new grammar patterns in the TL.
Techniques in GTM
Fill-in-the blanks: Sts are given a series of sentences with words missing. They fill in the blanks with new vocabulary items or necessary items of grammatical features.
Role of L1 in GTM
L1 (Sts' NL) has important function in teaching vocabulary and grammar Since oral communication in the TL is not important, classroom instructions are given in L1
GTM Language Theory
Language is for understanding the literature. Translation is the way to learn the language. Oral communication is not primarily important. Written language is superior to spoken language. Sts also learn the structure of their own NL. Learners become more cultured and intellectual.
GTM Vocabulary Teaching
Memorisation of vocabulary with their NL equivalents Cognates("cinema -sinema", "theatre - tiyatro"etc). Synonyms and antonyms
Techniques in GTM
Memorisation: Sts are given lists of TL vocabulary words and their native language equivalents and are asked to memorise them. Sts are also required to memorise grammatical rules and grammatical paradigms such as verb conjugations.
Skills in GTM
Primary skills to be improved are reading and writing Little attention is given to speaking and listening almost no attention to pronunciation.
Techniques in GTM
Reading Comprehension Questions Sts answer questions on understanding of the reading passage. First, they answer information questions whose answers are in the passage. Second, they answer inference questions based on their comprehension of the passage although the answer cannot be found in the passage. Third, they answer questions that require Sts to relate the passage to their own experience.
Syllabus in GTM
Structural syllabus (list of structures to be taught) The order of structures starts from the easiest
GTM Materials
Texts from the TL literature are used. Ts may either write the text or use an authentic text.
Error Correction in GTM
The Ts corrects the errors strictly. Errors are not tolerated. Accuracy is emphasised strictly. Accuracy means grammatical correctness.
Methodology
The study of pedagogical practices in general (including theoretical underpinnings and related research).
Technique
Theoretical positions and beliefs about the nature of language, the nature of language learning, and the applicability of both to pedagogical settings.
Student's Feelings in GTM
There is no information about how it deals with feelings It cannot be considered as a humanistic approach
Grammar Translation Method
aims to make learner proficient in accessing the literature concerned and to improve mental discipline and intellectual development. It approaches the teaching of foreign second language through detailed analysis of its grammar rules and applying them to the task of translating sentences and texts into and out of the target language. The mother tongue remains as the reference system in the learning of the second language. Its major focuses are the reading skill and writing skill and pay no systematic attention to speaking and listening. As far as vocabulary teaching is concerned, it is solely based on the reading text and words are taught through bilingual list. Accuracy is strongly emphasized. Grammar is taught deductively. When these .......Principles were applied in the study of different languages and text books and classroom practices are scrutinized, Language professionals and linguists criticized it on the ground of offering a tedious experience of memorizing a long list of grammatical rules and vocabulary and having no systematic approach to legitimize to its practices in the classroom.
Procedure
is an ordered sequence of techniques. A ... is a sequence which can be described in terms such as first you do this, then you do that... Smaller than a method and bigger than technique.
Goals and Objectives of GTM
to teach translation, to read and understand literary texts in the TL, to make Sts aware of their native language structure and vocabulary, to improve Sts' mental capacities with grammar exercises.