6. Why is this method not popular in Vietnam high schools?

- The direct method is put simply as a teaching method that uses only the target language. Because
using the direct method is hard for high schoolers to be able to connect words from their native
language to the target language. And some slow students may find it difficult to speak due to these
complex learning styles.

- Lots of vocabulary is required in the direct method and the students need to use them naturally.
Besides, students need to communicate to fulfill the purpose. Therefore, students who are slow at
learning will struggle to interact with classmates and teachers.

- Owing to over-emphasis on oral practice, the other skills namely reading, and writing is ignored to a
great extent.

- For this method, competent teachers must be there. But sometimes it is difficult to find good English
teachers in the country. Incompetent teachers can't use this method successfully.

7. Describe some teaching situations in which you may use DM

a. Warm-up

In this activity, the teacher can ask the student to start with a song or mini-games. When starting with a
song for small students, the teacher should act according to the song. In this way, the student may learn
vocabulary more quickly. The mini-game can be practicing vocabulary in previous lessons.

b. When the teacher introduces vocabulary/phrases

For example, the lesson today is about the weather, the teacher can start to introduce the vocabulary by
DM: “Can you name some weather phenomenon?” “Sunny, cloudy,...”

c. Practice

In this situation, the teacher can ask the student to practice speaking and answering in pairs. After the
pair work, the teacher can ask the student to answer the question individually or with their partner