The direct method of teaching, which is sometimes called the natural method, and is often (but not exclusively) used in teaching foreign languages, refrains from using the learners' native language and uses only the target language. It was established in England around 1900 and contrasts with the grammar–translation method and other traditional approaches, as well as with C.J. Dodson's bilingual method. It was adopted by key international language schools such as Berlitz, Alliance Française, and Inlingua School of Languages in the 1970s. Many of the language departments of the Foreign Service Institute of the U.S. State Department adopted the Method starting in 2012.

In general, teaching focuses on the development of oral skills. Characteristic features of the direct method are:

The direct method aims to completely avoid involvement of the learners' native language. This method is based on the assumption that the learner should experience the new language in the same way as he/she experienced his/her mother tongue as a child. The direct method in teaching a language is directly establishing an immediate and audiovisual association between experience, expression, words, phrases, idioms and meanings, rules, and performances through the teachers' body and mental skills.

The key Aspects of this method are:

I. Introduction of new word, number, alphabet character, sentence or concept (referred to as an Element) :

NOTE: Teachers should be aware of "high-frequency words and verbs" and prioritize teaching for this. (i.e. Teach key verbs such as "To Go" and "To Be" before unusual verbs like "To Trim" or "To Sail"; likewise, teach Apple and Orange before Prune and Cranberry.)

II. Syntax, the correct location of new Element in a sentence:

III. Progress, from new Element to new Element (within same lesson):