Grammar Translation Method is a method of teaching language through translation. This method requires learners to translate texts from English (in this case) to the student’s native language. Some of these texts may be literary works. I have seen some teachers use this method to teach English and you may be tempted to use this method with beginners, but Grammar Translation Method is an ineffective method for teaching the English language! Here are the reasons why:
Translating from one language to another does not reflect authentic communication and how we interact with one another. Communication is meaningful, spontaneous, natural, and requires other forms of communication such as speaking and understanding, not just reading and writing. In order to effectively communicate with English speakers, English language learners need to use all four skills of the English language (understanding, speaking, reading, and writing) in a variety of situations with a variety of people. This model of teaching is called Communicative Language Teaching. Grammar Translation Method does not reflect this model.
The only type of thinking involved in Grammar Translation Method is translation only. There are no other ways of thinking while learning English. Thinking about how to translate from one language to another does not reflect how we think when we are communicating through language.
There is too much emphasis on the student’s native language instead of the focus being on English. If ESL students need to learn English, then students need to use English as much as possible. Some vocabulary words do not translate directly between two languages.
Grammar Translation Method is boring and students need to be motivated to learn any language!