Disadvantages of Direct Method Teaching of English language:
Direct method is difficult as there no use of mother language.
It isn’t economical as it is requires various teaching aids.
Mayn’t be suitable for average or weaker students.
It requires competent teachers.
It gives overemphasis on listening and speaking skills.
It isn’t effective in early stages of learning.
1. It is an incomplete method:
Direct method lays too much emphasis on speaking. It neglects reading and writing. The tendency is to give insufficient attention to reading and not to teach written work systematically.
2. It requires efficient teachers:
Every teacher can’t make a success of the direct method. Only that teacher can work out this method successfully, who is good at English? Especially conversational English.
3. It requires linguistic minded students:
Direct method can succeed only with those students who are linguistically minded, that is, students who have got a fine ear for the language. Only the clever child can profit by this method.
4. Material facilities aren’t available:
Direct method requires the use of audio-visual aids, but these aren’t available in a majority of our schools.
5. The classes are over-crowded:
Small classes are needed for the direct method so that the teacher can pay individual attention. But in a majority of schools the classes are very large.
7. It is difficult for explanation:
DEMERITS
Ignores systematic written work and reading activities
May not hold well in higher-level classes where the translation method is more suitable
Supports only limited vocabulary – it restricts the scope of vocabulary as not all words can be directly associated with their meanings
Lacks application – the method aims at active command of a language, only the clever child can be profited by this method.
Needs skilled teachers; e.g., most of the teachers in Indian schools have a poor command of English
Does not suit or satisfy the needs of individual students in large classes
Inconvenient in a huge class
Ignores reading and writing aspects of language learning
Does not teach grammar systematically
Time-consuming in creating real life situations
Less suitable for slow learners, who struggle with this method.
