There are three basic principles in the reform of movement from grammar translation method to direct method, they are:
a. the primacy of speech
b. the centrality of connected text as the main point of the teaching-learning process
c. the absolute priority of oral methodology in the classroom
Principles and procedures were used in this method:
a. all classroom instructions are to be given in target language
b. grammar is to be taught inductively
c. listening and speech are to be taught
d. new teaching points are to be introduced orally
e. only day-to-day conversation and sentences are to be taught\
f. correct pronunciation are to be emphasized
g. oral communication are to be taught carefully
Here are some guidelines in the Berlitz system cited by Titone (1968):
Never explain: act
Never make a speech: ask question
Never imitate mistakes: correct
Never speak with single word: use sentences
Never speak too much: make students speak much
Never use the book: use your lesson plan
Never go too fast: keep to the pace of student
Never speak to slow: speak normally
Never speak too quickly: speak normally
Never be impatient: take it easy
Techniques used in direct method:
a. Learners read a passage, play, or dialogue loudly. Teacher uses pictures, gestures, or other means to make the meaning of a text clear. No mother tongue is used. No translation is used in explaining the text
b. dictation is done after listening activities
c. fill in the blank exercise id given without giving grammar rules
d. grammar is not explicitly taught
e. oral communication is basic and pronunciation gets much attention
f. vocabulary is emphasized over grammar
g. the direct method is based upon situations or topics
h. learner are asked question and answer in English, the target language
i. learners are encouraged to think and communicate in English
j. testing is done both orally or in writing