The Direct Method in the Development of English-Speaking Skill

The present work focuses on one of the skills of foreign language learning: speaking. The research takes the application of the direct method for the development of it. A study carried out on students and teachers of Educational Unit shows that students have difficulties with the oral production and interaction of the English language. One of the identified causes is the limited application of methodologies that enhances oral abilities. On this direction, it is observed that the direct method is not taken as an alternative to develop these abilities. The following methods are used in the research: bibliographical review to analyze the fundamentals of speaking and the direct method, a survey to teachers to collect information about the development of their students´ English speaking skills and observations to English lessons to evaluate the level of development of English-speaking skills in the students. The results obtained lead to establish as objective of the work the elaboration of direct method activities to improve speaking abilities. They include methodological guidelines for the implementation of them. Pre and posttests are administered to determine the validity of the activities proposed and the feasibility of application of such activities.