Language teachingLesson 4 of 4 in the course Communicative approach

Grammar–Translation: Origins, Classroom Practice, and Limitations

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

This lesson explores where the grammar–translation method came from, how historical changes shaped it, and what its main educational goals were.

The grammar–translation method developed from the teaching of Latin, which was widely studied in the early 16th century because it was important in government, academia, and business. At that time, learners used Latin for communication as well as study.

All flashcards

What is the grammar–translation method?
A foreign-language teaching approach in which learners study grammar rules and apply them by translating between the target language and their native language.
Why was Latin widely studied in the early 16th century?
Latin was important in government, academia, and business, and learners used it for communication as well as study.
How did the purpose of learning Latin change?
As Latin lost its everyday role, schools increasingly taught it as an academic subject rather than as a language for practical communication.
What was faculty psychology?
An influential educational theory that viewed the mind as separate from the body and as having faculties such as will, emotion, and intellect.
What were the two main goals of grammar–translation?
To help students read literature in the target language and to develop their general intellectual discipline.

Quiz questions

  1. Which language was typically used to conduct grammar–translation classes?Answer: The students’ native language
  2. How were grammar rules usually taught in grammar–translation classes?Answer: Rules were presented before students applied them in exercises.
  3. Which set of materials was typical of a grammar–translation textbook chapter?Answer: A bilingual vocabulary list, grammar rules, and sentences to translate
  4. What translation task might learners encounter at higher levels?Answer: Translating whole texts word for word
  5. Which skill area received little attention in the traditional method?Answer: Listening, speaking, pronunciation, and spontaneous communication

Based on the Wikipedia article Grammar–translation method, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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