China had colsed-door foreign policy so they did not need to speak English but it was enough to understand writing materials. Because of that reason Grammar-Translation method was uniqe. In our world Grammar-Translation method does not work because policies have changed.

People need to speak English. In China it is not easy to get rid of the Grammar-Translation method as it has powerful root. Students are unfamiliar with modern methods so they feel unsecure when a new method is performed. They want to change their teacher.

Another factor which is obstacle to new methods is ‘unqualified teachers’. ‘Qualified teacher’ are not someone who are good at four basic skills but it means that they are good at both four skills and methodology. Grammar-Translation method is really easy one for teachers so teachers may choose it.

Qualified teachers may come across some problems,too. Students feel secure when second language is translated into first language. It is sure that students ask teachers to translate but according to the modern methods it is not a good way to teach language. Teacher tries to satisfy students by visualize the word or explaining in second language.

Solutions proposed by the author is logical and applicable, I think. But it will take long. It is possible change system in the planning stage but it is not so easy to practise the changes properly. Students,families,teachers,head of the colleges must be made conscious. As a teaching methodology tactics in the essay seems to work. We sould decrease use of first language as much as possible.

The name of the essay is ‘An Academic or A more Practical Approach’. It was published in China and written by Xiao Aili, head of the English department in Changsha EDucation College of Hunan Province. The essay was retrived from here