Very recently, I discussed various methods of teaching grammar to ESL students with my ELT colleagues who have been teaching English for more than 15 years. 

One of them said, "Many ELT practitioners say that  GTM is ineffective, but I don't agree with them. All our English language teachers taught us English grammar using this method.  Haven't we learnt the language effectively? What is wrong in using GTM now? 

Each of them spoke on the merits and demerits of GTM.  Some of the demerits are:

• slow learning rate
• making learners think in L1
• mechanical
• more importance on grammar rules than on meaning
• no scope for effective communication
• very tedious for learners
• out-dated
• ineffective

I would like to throw this question for discussion: Is the grammar translation method ineffective?

I would like to read your comments.

Albert P'Rayan

Chennai, India