Direct Method vs. Indirect Method: Thinking About How to Teach

There are two main methods for teaching Japanese: the "Direct Method" and the "Indirect Method" (Grammar-Translation Method). Personally, I currently teach intermediate and advanced classes using only Japanese, but in beginner classes, I often use the students' native language, Chinese, to explain grammar, as I feel this facilitates a more theoretical understanding. However, considering the possibility of teaching in Japan or other countries in the future, I have come to realize that I need to become accustomed to teaching using the Direct Method as well. In this article, I would like to organize the characteristics, pros, and cons of both methods and reflect on my own teaching style.

1. What is the Direct Method? How is it taught?

The Direct Method is a way of teaching Japanese using only Japanese, without relying on the learner's native language. By using picture cards, gestures, real objects, example sentences, and role-playing, learners are made to understand the meaning of grammar and vocabulary within a "Japanese context." For example, "~te iru" is explained by showing photos of scenes demonstrating the progression of an action, and "~tai" is introduced by creating conversation scenes that express desires. A major feature is that the class progresses centered on "exchanges" where the teacher asks questions in Japanese and the learner answers in Japanese.

2. Pros and Cons of the Direct Method

The greatest advantage of the Direct Method is that the class itself becomes a Japanese environment, allowing for a large amount of natural input. Since it does not rely on the native language, a sense for the language is easily developed, making it highly effective for learners who want to improve their conversation and communication skills. Additionally, even in multinational classes, using Japanese as a common language creates an equal learning environment.

On the other hand, it is difficult to explain abstract grammatical items or subtle differences in meaning. It places a heavy burden on beginner learners, and sometimes they may proceed with misunderstandings. It can be considered a disadvantage that it requires high-level skills from the teacher and that preparation takes time.

3. What is the Indirect Method? Its characteristics

The Indirect Method is a way of explaining Japanese using the learner's native language, placing importance on understanding grammatical structures. For example, verb conjugations, differences in particles, and the proper use of sentence patterns are often understood more clearly when explained in the native language, which leads to that "I get it!" feeling for the learner. Especially at the beginner level, a major advantage is the ability to convey content accurately in a short amount of time.

4. Pros and Cons of the Indirect Method

The advantage of the Indirect Method is that theoretical understanding is quick, and learning is efficient in a short amount of time. Because the basis of grammar can be explained clearly, learner anxiety is reduced. Also, it is easier for the teacher to explain, and class preparation is relatively smooth.

However, when reliance on the native language becomes too strong, Japanese may not come out smoothly in actual conversation situations. A weakness of the Indirect Method is that it easily leads to a state of "knowing but not being able to speak," where the learner has grammatical knowledge but cannot use it. Furthermore, it is difficult to use in multinational classes, limiting the teaching environment.

5. Toward my future teaching style

Currently, I use Chinese for beginners and only Japanese for intermediate and advanced classes, but I feel once again that each has its good points and challenges. Using the Indirect Method for beginners provides a sense of security because understanding is smooth, but considering teaching in Japan or other countries in the future, I believe practice with the Direct Method, which does not rely on the native language, is essential. In fact, when teaching in multinational classes, the Direct Method must be the focus.

In the future, I would like to adopt a "hybrid approach" where I use the Direct Method as much as possible for introductions even at the beginner level, and only supplement with the native language where necessary. By doing so, I think I can create classes that increase the time spent using Japanese while also firmly supporting the learners' understanding.