GRAMMAR-TRANSLATION METHOD- COMENT

• THE GRAMMAR-TRANSLATION METHOD

Much traditional language teaching in schools worldwide used be done in this way, and it is still the predominant classroom method in some cultures. The teacher rarely uses the target language, Students spend a lot of time reading texts, translating the, doing exercises and test, writing essays. There is relatively little focus on speaking and listening skills.

COMENTARY:

This method of teaching a foreign language is so common in many public schools in Peru, especially for teaching English. The idea of using this method is not bad when you (as a teacher or student) want to focus on grammar and redaction.  The student can develop abilities in writing excellent paragraphs or essays, also the student use the grammar in a correct way, because translate texts does not only mean pass the text on other language, also means, interpret what you (student) read. In my personal opinion, the grammar – translation method is useful for teaching grammar, but not for speaking and listening skills. 

Teacher's roles.

• Teacher as an Organizer

Organising students to do various activities. Give information, how to do the activity, put in pairs or groups, close things down when time to stop. Important to get full advantage of an activity and to avoid chaos.  Get pupils involved and ready. Get language right and present instructions in a logical order. E.g. get a pupil up front to demonstrate the activity with you. Tell them how much time they have got and exactly when they should start.When finished, organise some kind of feedback. Summing up the role of organiser: engage – instruct (demonstrate) – initiate – organise feedback.

COMENTARY 

         It's the most important role of an English teacher during a class because in the majority of classes students do some activities for practicing what they have learned in class. Therefore, an organizer teacher has the principal role in the beginning of the actvity and depend on him/her that the students understand the instructions and how they are going to develop the activity, if it is in gropus, pairs or a personal activity. Also the teacher asks  for some volunteers to give an example of how the students have to do the activity.

• Teacher as Participant 

Traditional picture: Teacher standing back from the activity, letting learners get on with it. Later giving feedback and/or correcting mistakes. Sometimes we should join in – not as a teacher, but as a participant in our own right. Enliven things from the inside instead of organise from the outside. Danger: The teacher can easily dominate the proceedings. Something it takes skill and sensitivity to avoid! 


COMENTARY

Participant teacher can do the activity or class more interesting because he/she gives opinions and share personal experiences. It's role can be great if  my students are going to do an exercise where they can give their points of view. But, there is a big disadvantage, which is " The teacher influences in students, so some students can not express theirself. However, there are more people who feel more confortable when the teacher assumes this role,because they consider that the teacher is one of then and not the person who only teach and give instructions.

          

It's the first time ,..=)

Por primera vez tengo un Blog =P