The Berlitz Method® is an approach to teaching languages which has proved incredibly successful since first introduced over 135 years ago by Berlitz founder, Maximilian D. Berlitz.
It is based around five principles:
Goal-oriented instruction – this means that the student’s objectives are focused on at all times (through personalising materials, adapting programmes, and using real-world activities which the student can relate to)
Maximum student participation – every opportunity possible is given to the student so that he/she can practice the new language and gain more confidence, be involved in the learning process and develop their knowledge
Exclusive use of the target language – using only the target language means that the student learns a lot more, a lot more quickly. Translation is often not an option outside the classroom so using only the target language equips the student for communicating in every future circumstance
Students learn through listening and speaking supported by reading and writing – all activities build up to speaking production (often the skill students find the most difficult)
Students learn grammar as a means of communication and not as a theory which is impossible to use when out using the new language in the real world. Grammar knowledge is only useful when it can be used to communicate.