Grammar Translation Method
Introduction
The Grammar Translation Method was known in the
United States as the Prussian Method (Richard & Rodgers 2014). This method
was also known as the classical method and used to teach classical language,
such as Latin and Greek. The GTM was used to help students to read and
appreciate foreign language literature in the earlier 20th century.
Moreover, it was used to teach grammar of the target language, either a second
language or a foreign language.
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The Principles of Grammar Translation Method,
Diane-Larsen & Freeman (2011)
1.
The
Goals of using the GTM
Regarding the purpose of learning
language is that enable students to read a literature written in the target
language, either as a second language or foreign language. Hence, it is
necessary for students to learn and to understand the grammar rules and the
vocabulary of the target language.
2.
The
roles of the teacher
In the GTM, teacher is authority in
the classroom. Teacher talks and knows much than the students. That is why,
students just listen to the teachers’ and do the teachers’ instruction.
3.
The
characteristics of the teaching and learning process.
Translating the target language into
the students’ native language or vice versa, the grammar is taught deductively.
Teacher explains the rules of the grammar and students are asked to memorize
the rules.
4.
The
students-teacher interaction.
The interaction of the use GTM in
teaching and learning is that the teacher play actively, dominate the class.
There is little student initiation and student-student interaction.
5.
The
language viewed
In the GTM, the spoken language is
less, it’s more superior in literary language.
6.
Language
areas and skills which are emphasized.
The Grammar and Vocabulary are
emphasized. Reading and writing are the primary skills which are worked on by
the students. The native language of the student is mostly used in the class. Whereas
the speaking and listening are much less attention given. And the pronunciation
receives little, if any, attention.
7.
The
role of native language of the students
The translating meaning of the
target language is made clearly into the native language. The native language
is mostly used.
8.
The
evaluation
The written test is conducted where
the students are required to translate the native language to the target
language or vice versa, for example English to Indonesia, Indonesia to English.
9.
How
do teachers respond to students errors?
The teacher supplies the students if
they make errors. Tell the students the correct answer.
The
techniques used in GTM
1. Translation literary passage
The students are required to translate the reading passage from the
target language to their native language. Moreover, the use reading passage
provides the focus for several classes; vocabulary and grammatical structures
in the passage are studied subsequently.
2. Reading comprehension questions
Students are required to answer the questions in the target language with
their understanding of the reading passage. Making inferences of the passage is
required too, students infer it based on their understanding. Additionally,
teacher can relates the content of the passages with the student’s experiences.
3. Antonym and synonym
By giving set of words, teacher asks students
to find the meaning, either antonym or synonym. More than that, students can
define the words with their understanding.
4. Cognates
Students are taught to
recognize cognates by learning the spelling or sound patterns that correspond
between the languages. Students are also asked to memorize words that look like
cognates but have meanings in the target language that are different from those
in the native language. This technique, of course would only be useful in
languages that share cognates.
5. Deductive application of rules
Teacher teaches the rule of the grammar by giving examples. After
teaching the rules and giving the example, students are asked to apply the
rules to some different example. I think this is commonly done by teacher in
Indonesia nowadays.
6. Fill in the blanks exercises
Teacher can give students exercises with a
series of sentences with missing words. Then asks students to fill the blank
with new or appropriate vocabulary or with particular grammar type, such as
preposition or tenses.
7. Memorization
The students are asked to memorize list of vocabulary and the rules of
the grammar learned.
8. Use words in sentences
Students use new words which have been understood its meaning to make
sentences.
9. Composition
Students are given topics to write about in the target language. The
topic is based upon some aspects of the reading passage of the lesson.
References:
Richard J. C., Rodger T. S. 2014. Approaches and
Methods in Language Teaching. 3rd edn. India: Cambridge University
Press.
