The Grammar Translation and the Direct Method are the Best Language Teaching Methods in Indonesia

By : Eko Puji Lestari

I.              INTRODUCTION

The success and the failure the teacher in English teaching can be seen from the final result of learning. If on the fact its result is fail, so the teacher still blamed for that failure. In this case, the pupils are not guilty because however the pupils only follow the lesson plan that is offered by their teacher. This teacher’s weakness must been followed up by the mastery of representative methodology. So, the teacher must keep on professionalism from all sort of sides are the mastery of material, punctuality, responsible, and efficient methodology.

If the teacher does not have good methodology of English teaching, it will create the situation of school as if suspended animation. The pupils cannot understand the explanation of teacher but rather is impressioned ignorant and egoist.

The most efficient method for English teaching as a foreign language in Indonesia is Grammar – Translation and Direct Method. Both of these methods are used in English teaching and different situation and the goal of English learning. If the goal of English learning is read its literature, the teacher uses the Grammar – Translation Method. And if the goal of English learning is oral communication skills, the teacher uses the Direct Method.

This article will explain about both of these methods for English teaching as a foreign language in Indonesia. On the next chapter will be explained both of these methods in detail.

II.            ANALYSIS

A.      The Grammar – Translation Method

Actually the main goal of English learning is capability to speak English, but to speak English will must been support by the grammar of the structure of English. So previously the teacher must teach the grammar of English. Howatt (1984) points out that:

Although the Grammar – Translation Method often creates frustation for student, it makes few demands on teachers. It is used in situations where understanding literacy texts is the primary focus of foreign language study and there is little need for a speaking knowledge of the language.

The goal of this method is read its literature. The emphasis of this method is accuracy in translation. This method usually uses a textbook. From a text book, the pupils can find new vocabulary base on solely on the reading text used and can analyze the structure from that textbook. Haron and Weldon (1977) on their book explained that:

A written report is when a student writes a composition, essay, event, or personal experience. It helps a student develop a variety of skills that are necessary when writing. They are grammar, diction, and spelling.

So this method also helps to strengthen speaking English skill

B.     The Direct Method

To know the quality of English learning is know in how far that language recorded by pupils that brought into reality in communicative form. If the pupils have not showed capability to speak English that studied, so the process of that learning has not been said success although the mastery of grammatical is very satisfy. Zack and Theodore (1986) explain that:

The goal of trying to teach conversation skills was considered impractical in view of the restricted time available for foreign language teaching in school, the limited skill of teachers, and the perceived irrelevance of conversation skill in a foreign language.

In this method, the teacher must demonstrate object and picture that will be taught, so pronunciation and grammar is correct. In this case will enable to increase new vocabulary everyday and every time, and the pupils can both see and hear the procedure. Beside that by this method, the pupils can more active because in this case take place a dialogue between teacher and pupils. Haron and Weldon (1977) in their book said that:

A directed discussion includes the acts of listening, questioning, sharing comment, and evaluating a topic by the student and teacher. Its main purpose is to help pupils clarify and retain more of what they have read and learned.

In this method, the words are taught through speech and listening comprehension.

III.          CONCLUSION

From the explanation above, we know that methodology English teaching is important for the teacher. Teaching method of English that most efficient for Indonesian teaching learning process is The Grammar – Translation and Direct Method. In Grammar – Translation Method, achievement of correct grammar and pronunciation are taught at the beginning. Before the teacher teach the correct speaking, therefore needed a mastery of grammar at first. Then, direct method is taught over and over into habit. Direct method is needed in order to improve the classes into active and pupils become more active. At last, there will be positive stimulus and response between teacher and pupil.

IV.          REFERENCE

C. Richards, Zack and Theodore S. Rodgers. 1986. Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching. United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.

Howat. 1984. A History of English Language Teaching. Oxfords: Oxfords University Press.

K. Zenger, Haron and Weldon F. Zenger. 1977. 7 Ways to Teach A Quick Reference for Teachers. United States of America.

Munon, David. 1991. Language Teaching Methodology A Text Book for Teachers. Sidney: Prentice Hall.