• This approach was developed initially as a reaction to the grammar-translation approach in an attempt to integrate more use of the target language in instruction.
• Lessons begin with a dialogue using a modern conversational style in the target language.
• Material is first presented orally with actions or pictures.
• The mother tongue is NEVER used. There is no translation.
• The preferred type of exercise is a series of questions in the target language based on the dialogue or an anecdotal narrative.
• Questions are answered in the target language.
• Grammar is taught inductively-rules are generalized from the practice and experience with the target language.
• Verbs are used first and systematically conjugated much later after some oral mastery of the target language.
• Advanced students read literature for comprehension and pleasure.
• Literary texts are not analyzed grammatically.
• The culture associated with the target language is also taught inductively.
• Culture is considered an important aspect of learning the language.