GRAMMAR TRANSLATION METHOD

                  

                           

Grammar Translation Method is also known as the Traditional Method. It was the first method that emerged for studying a foreign language to read literature. This method has a huge demerit. In response to this method, other methods were formed. We know that to learn a language, one must be competent in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in the target language. But the Grammar Translation Method only focuses on reading and writing skills.

Despite the demerits of GTM, this method is still being used on full force in Bangladesh, especially in the primary and secondary schools. There are some solid reasons behind this. Many teachers use this method in their language classes as it seems the ideal method to teach the grammar of the target language. Using GTM, one can learn the detailed analysis of grammatical rules of a foreign language. This means grammar is taught deductively. In a typical Grammar-Translation text, the grammar rules are presented and illustrated, a list of vocabulary items are presented with their equivalents and

                             

In Bangladesh, the national curriculum and syllabus focus on reading and writing skills only, and our board exams are written based, that is why many teachers use the GTM method which also focuses on reading and writing. Some teacher uses this method because there is a lack of equipment in the classroom. To conduct the class using other methods like Direct Method or Communicative Language Teaching approach, the teacher needs different types of materials that are not available. In the rural area, this is near to impossible to use technology for teaching grammar. In the GTM method, it is very easy to conduct the class using the only book, copy, and a board. Another reason behind using this method is the teachers also learned grammar in this method. So, they follow their teachers while teaching. Moreover, using this method, vocabulary can be learned easily by memorizing. So, at the beginning of teaching a language, this method can be very effective. In primary and secondary schools, particularly in Bangla medium schools, there are lots of students in a classroom. Sometimes it crosses over a hundred students in a single classroom and only one teacher conducts the class. It is utterly impossible for a teacher to teach language lessons of a foreign language in any method other than the Grammar Translation Method. Some teachers lack confidence in conducting the whole class using the target language and some have pronunciation problems. They use GTM for conducting class because this method allows the mother tongue to teach.

However, the Grammar Translation Method is over criticized by the critics. We can use this method very effectively by mixing with other methods. Though this is an old method we can creatively use this method. This method can be enormously used in reading classes or literature classes. In language classes, we can use this method while learning paragraphs, essays, and passage writing. Though the method has zero contribution in communicative teaching, this can also help to develop our minds through practicing and drilling the grammar of the target language.