The Implementation of Grammar Translation Method (GTM) in School

Do you know how the Grammar–translation method works?

Grammar Translation Method (GTM) is a teaching method commonly used to teach grammar with the main characteristics focusing on translation and memorizing forms of verbs, when teaching, teachers usually explain the material using local languages (Latin and Greek in Ambarwati, Wiryasaputra, and Puspasari, 2016: 84).

Goals of the Grammar Translation Method

To read literature in a target language. To memorize grammar rules and vocabulary of the target language.

Characteristics of the Grammar Translation Method

The major focus is on reading and writing with little or no systematic attention to listening and speaking. Vocabulary words are chosen from the reading text used. Teachers teach vocabulary words through memorization, bilingual word list, and dictionary. The basic unit of teaching and language practice is the sentence. Most of the lesson is in sentence translation from and into the target language. Deductive method is used in grammar. Rules are presented and studied. Then, students will practice through translation exercises.New grammatical or vocabulary items in the target language are explained in students’ native language in order to have a comparison between the target language and the students’ native language.Students are expected to attain high standards in translation. They must be accurate in translating the sentences into their target language and vice-versa.

The Implementation of the Grammar Translation Method

The English teacher applies the Grammar Translation Method using a teaching style in the form of giving questions on a regular basis which affects the students' skills in English. The strategy used by the teacher is to group students into groups. The media used is using English videos and music related to the material. The teaching styles, strategies, and media used by the teacher aim to increase students' enthusiasm in learning. The enthusiasm of good students helps teachers develop their English language skills to the fullest. Enmayantie (2015) states that the Grammar Translation Method (GTM) can improve student vocabulary with a little combination of each learning approach used by teachers.

The teacher in implementing the Grammar Translation Method applies 3 stages namely planning, implementing, and evaluating. Planning is done through the preparation of lesson plans. The lesson plans made by the teacher are based on the character and needs of the students at that time. The teacher makes lesson plans with interesting strategies, teaching styles, and media. The strategy used by the teacher is by grouping students. The teaching style of the teacher is by giving questions and memorizing or vocabulary. The media used by teachers in the form of books, music, and videos in English that can increase student interest in learning. The selection of strategies, media, and teaching styles is adjusted to the learning material by looking at the condition of students in the class. It is arranged carefully and precisely so that it can achieve the learning objectives desired by the teacher.

Some Ideas for Teaching in Classroom

The following activities can be done in the classroom:

Ask the students to take 5 words from their favorite song and then translate it in English. In teaching a particular lesson in grammar, ask the students to memorize the rules, and they should give their own sentences as samples.Ask the students to take down the conversations of their friends in their native language, and then translate it in English. Ask students to write 10 verbs from the article assigned to them, and then they should give the synonyms and antonyms. Ask students to memorize at least 5 words per day in English and give their native language equivalent.

Some school administrators or teachers may disagree with the idea of using the native language in explaining vocabulary words or grammar rules because they want the students to be exposed only with the target language in order to effectively acquire and master it.

However, there is no hard and fast rule of what is the best method or strategy. It would be best if the teacher will use different ways and find out what is suited to his/her students by conducting action research.