Grammar Translation Method

an method of teaching a foreign language which was originally used to teach classical languages such as Latin and Greek.

In the Grammar-Translation Method, students translate a text written in the target language into the language of instruction (the language used in school).

Effectiveness
This method is now considered out-dated and ineffective by most language teachers and theorists.

The Grammar-Translation method is based on the belief that written language is superior to spoken communication and assumes that learners can deduce proper grammar solely from input via a foreign language text. Grammatical rules or structures were drilled, but were not used in authentic communication.

Bruntt, Karen and Bryanne, Ulla. Handbook for Language Detectives, pages 19-20.