The direct method encompasses what we consider the most valuable in the learning process, namely, modern approach, consistent consolidation of knowledge and practical use of knowledge. Direct interaction between the teacher and student is used to the greatest extent through the system of questions and answers and a stimulated conversation. In such a way the ability to conduct a conversation in English is being perfectly developed.
Each meeting starts with a short revision of the material studied so far, in a form of structured mini dialogues with the teacher. Additional questions specially prepared for each lesson, which are both interesting and diversified, help to consolidate the meanings of words in various contexts and also facilitate recognition and conscious use of grammar structures studied. This in turn contributes to a dynamic development of linguistic competences in listening and speaking.
The teaching approach used by us guarantees the possibility of getting to know a wide range of contexts of word use, in an exact manner that is applied in a country where a given language is spoken, where the language is acquired in a variety of situations and circumstances. The students are active and focused to the maximum extent during the classes thanks to constant, direct interaction with the teacher and because of the necessity of giving comprehensive answers.
We shape linguistic independence and creativity by means of an open-ended questions technique enabling students to express their own opinions, forcing them at the same time to use a linguistic structure practised at a given lesson. The effect of using a ”living language” is obtained by means of a technique of embedding prearranged questions in a mini dialogue form. The teacher asks questions fast, paying utmost attention to a natural intonation of a sentence. After hearing the student’s answer, if it is not full or requires elaboration, the teacher asks additional questions, as if in a natural linguistic situation.
What our students value most is that in their intensive learning process they are not “overloaded” with the number of new words and structures, and the dynamics and the course of the classes depend both on the teacher as well as on the students themselves. The objective of our work and the techniques used is to make the process of acquiring knowledge a pleasant daily routine which the student thinks of without fear and uses this knowledge with pleasure.
The direct method used by us assumes strict discipline at a fast pace of realizing the tasks indicated in the course of study. This is possible thanks to the teacher’s control over the classes, minimising interaction among students to the benefit of fully controlled conversations with the teacher.