THE DIRECT METHOD

The goal teacher used the direct method are to make the student  know how to communicate in the target language. In other  this successfully, student should learn to think in the target language. Meaning The direct method of teaching foreign languages, sometimes called the natural method, refrains from using the learners' native language and uses only the target language.

In the direct method has a some principles such as:

1.      Classroom instructions are conducted exclusively in the target language.

2.      Only everyday vocabulary and sentences are taught during the initial phase; grammar, reading and writing are introduced in intermediate phase.

3.      Oral communication skills are built up in a carefully graded progression organized around question-and-answer exchanges between teachers and students in small, intensive classes.

4.      Grammar is taught inductively.

5.      New teaching points are introduced orally.

6.      Concrete vocabulary is taught through demonstration, objects, and pictures; abstract vocabulary is taught by association of ideas.

7.      Both speech and listening comprehensions are taught.

8.      Correct pronunciation and grammar are emphasized.

9.      Student should be speaking at least 80% of the time during the lesson.

10.  Students are taught from inception to ask questions as well as answer them.

For some principle at above I’d prefer to chose point no 9 ( student should be speaking at 80% of the time during the lesson ). Because when the student can speaking 80% they have increased opportunities to become familiar with the new material, Students have more chances to experiment with and personalize the language. They can mix previous vocabulary and grammar structures with the target language of the lesson, as well as steer conversations towards their individual interests. For example, if two students fail to understand one another, they must work together to repair the miscomprehension. This better prepares the class, where they can't rely on the teacher for help.

From my observation at SMP 1 KUPANG The teacher try to help the student to speak much in the target language by sing a song and help the student actively with the lesson, the teacher explain to the student how to make a tea and the teacher tells the student about the steps to make a tea after that the teacher chose two student to replay what the teacher explain, one student replay to explain how to make a tae and one student practice or showing by the explanation. After that the teacher change the topic with how to make a coffee and tell the student to find out the steps to make a coffee. So from this way the teacher try to help the student to become actively for find out the answer and to communication in the target language.

After I become a teacher I will use this principle to teach the student and make the class to speak much, Start from me. First, I will give the explanation or the steps and I help the student speak much by introduction, such as try to introduce their self, introduce their friend, introduce their family. Try to describe something (description) teach them how to describe an animal, room, human, way etc. Tell a short story, funny story from this way the student can easy to understand the grammar, can know much about the vocabulary. Learn and practice more is a good way to get  a good achievement.