In the late 19th century, Heness and Sauveur opened a language school
in the United States teaching German and French. They employed what
they called the Natural Method because it was felt to mirror how
children naturally learn their first languages. However, the approach
came to be more commonly referred to as the Direct Method. The principles of the Natural/Direct Method, as outlined by Richards and Rogers (2001), are:
Classroom instruction was conducted exclusively in the target language.
Only everyday vocabulary and sentences were taught.
Oral
communication skills were built up in a carefully graded progression
organised around question-and-answer exchanges between teachers and
students in small, intensive classes.
Grammar was taught inductively.
New teaching points were introduced orally.
Concrete
vocabulary was taught through demonstration, objects and pictures;
abstract vocabulary was taught by association of ideas.
Both speech and listening comprehension were taught.
Correct pronunciation and grammar were emphasised.
(Richards and Rogers, 2001, p. 12)
Many features of this method or approach are still in evidence in the modern language classroom.