ENGLISH TEACHING METHODOLOGY

GRAMMAR-TRANSLATION METHOD

Grammar – translation Method

HISTORY

History of GTMIt is the oldest method of  teaching of English,

also known as the Classical Method

dominated European and foreign language

teaching from the 1800s to the 1940s, and in

modified form it continues to be widely used in

some parts of word day.

was used for the teaching of English in the

beginning, under the influence of classical

languages like Latin, Greek and Sanskrit

History of GTMIn the Grammar – Translation Method, the

student first study the parts of speech and

syntax in detail. The sentences in English

and the mother tongue were compared and

contrasted side by side.

In this method the mother tongue is used

to teach English.

Grammar – translation Method

FEATURES

The goal of foreign language study

To read its literature

To benefit from the metal discipline

and intellectual development

To analyze rules before translating

Language skillsReading and writing: focus. Speaking or listening: little or no

systematic attention. Vocabulary : selecting on the

reading texts used; teaching words through bilingual word list, dictionary, and memorization.

Pronunciation: little or no attention.

Sentence

Basic unit of teaching and

language practice

Being translated into and out of

the target language 

Accuracy and GrammarAccuracy is emphasized: Students are

expected to attain high standards in

translation. 

Grammar :

Taught deductively presentation and study

of grammar rules → practice through

translation exercises

Medium of instructions & language learning

Medium of instruction in class: student’s

native language

 Language learning: By memorization of

rules and manipulation of the morphology

and syntax of the foreign language.

Grammar – translation Method

STRONG POINTS

STRONG POINTS

Understanding of words and phrases

becomes very better and quicker.

Developing the art of translation.

Strong memory bond is created.

It saves time and more effective.

STRONG POINTSLearning and explaining the words and phrases

easily.

The working knowledge of mother tongue helps

them to learn grammar of a foreign language.

Test the ability of comprehension of our students

and able to know the form of understanding the

subject matter.

English grammar can be easily taught by

comparing with the grammar of mother tongue.

Very useful in over crowed classes.

Grammar – translation Method

WEAK POINTS

WEAK POINTSIt does not put emphasis on the basic skills.

It is not possible to translate important

aspect of spoken language .

There are words, idioms, phrases in English

for which words can not be translated into

mother tongue..

WEAK POINTS

Preventing students from reading and

speaking in English.

Student gets no opportunities to

participate in the discussion of the unit.

Some of linguistic items can not be

translated into mother tongue .

WEAK POINTSAffecting the originality of the words.

It prevents students to think directly in

English.

Grammar class can never be effective

when there is use of translation of

grammatical rules and their explanation.

WEAK POINTS

Favouring to teach English by rules

and not by use.

Psychologically and linguistically,

this method is not suitable.