Grammar Translation Method

Hi there!

First lesson of the semester, yes!

In this class we will be talking about language teaching methods, specifically English. The first method we discussed was the Grammar Translation Method (GTM) proposed by Karl Plotz. Basically, in grammar-translation classes, students learn grammatical rules and then apply them by translating sentences between the target language and the mother tongue. The GTM derived from the classical method of teaching Greek and Latin.

Two main goals of this method are:

1. To enable students to read and translate literature written in the target language.

2. To further students' general intellectual development.

Some of its characteristics are:

᛫ Classes are taught in the mother tongue

᛫ Much vocabulary is taught in the form of lists of isolated words

᛫ There is no attention given to pronunciation

᛫ The reading of difficult texts is begun early

᛫ Long, elaborate explanations of the intricates of grammar are given

If we make an analysis using the SWOT method we will get:

Strengths

✊ Students learn a lot of vocabulary

✊ Reading and writing skills are excelled

✊ It activates students' memory

Weaknesses

👎 Poor listening and speaking skills

👎 Unnatural and inaccurate pronunciation

👎 GTM is not interactive and engaging for students

Oppportunities

👌It gives the chance of learning a new language using textbooks

👌Students can learn vocabulary not only in the target language but        also in their mother tongue

Threats

💀 Classes may turn boring

💀More student talking time (STT)

💀 Students might not be accustomed to translate word by word

During class, we did a fun activity to exemplify this teaching method. The teacher asked us to form groups and we discussed art. We shared phrases from books, Bible verses, poetry, and songs; we did this in English and Spanish. We also had to translate two poems as a group: There will come soft rain by Emily Dickinson and El Desiderato.

That's how we concluded the first class. Yay!