Advantages and disadvantages of the Natural Method of Teaching English as Second Language
Back to: Pedagogy of English – Unit 3
The natural method is a communicative view of language which stresses the fact that language is composed of different parts. It recognizes the difference between learning a language consciously and unconsciously. It is also known as a direct method of teaching. According to Webster Dictionary,
“Direct method is a method of teaching a foreign language, especially modern language through conversation, discussion and reading, in the language itself, without the use of the pupil’s language.”
Direct method refers to the method of teaching English where it is taught directly using the target language. A teacher doesn’t use the mother tongue in the class and the students are not allowed to use it either. It is the opposite of the Translation Method.
Advantages Of Natural Method
Facilitates Understanding of English
Learners can learn English directly through what they hear or read. It established a direct connection between objects and English words which allows one to learn the language easily.
Commands Over Language
Learners are encouraged to use English all the time which allows them to have a good command of the language.
Direct Method
It is a direct method of learning English because students can naturally learn English just like their mother tongue.
Acquisition of Vocabulary
Learners can acquire great vocabulary in English due to its constant use since the mother tongue is not involved in this teaching method.
Fluency of speech
This method emphasizes aural-oral words and students are encouraged to think in English allowing them to speak fluently and confidently in English.
Disadvantages Of Natural Method
Lack of Mother Tongue
Due to the lack of the use of the mother tongue, students may not be able to produce the desired meaning and may misuse it.
Lack of Environment
If the surrounding environment is not speaking English, it can be hard for the learners to learn English as they may not have a suitable learning environment.
Lack of Teachers
There may not be adequately qualified teachers in the school who fit this approach of teaching and hence, it may be difficult to apply the same.
Weakness in Practice
The method may be weak when it is applied in reality because it may not function according to the plans.
Incomplete Method
It focuses only on the oral aspect of the language so other aspects such as writing can be an incomplete method.
The natural teaching method is a reaction to the Grammar Translation Method. The learners are taught a language without the interference of any other language apart from the target language.
