What do I think about Grammar Translation Approach?

This method is considered the oldest one of TEFL, so we can start saying that the world changes, people change, students change and that´s the reason for teachers changing their way of teaching a language. Maybe in the past it was a good method but nowadays we need to have an open mind and recognize humans necessities. We also realize that the process of learning is complex. And this method is still used by some teachers in our schools.
I think translation is not enough but sometimes I need to explain something in class and after I use all the possible ways, there are some students that don’t understand. So what I use to do in those cases is to let a student explain in Spanish what I had already said. There is another point that is a little bit difficult and it is when you are talking about behavior and the rules of the class. During the first two weeks, my students and I made an agreement about the importance of behavior to learn more and better. But, you know kids have “plenty of energy” so it is not easy for them to pay attention all the time and listen to the teacher. Of course I let students participate in class but there are some moments in which I am explaining or introducing a topic. I repeat the rules in English but when I feel tired – with my voice – I prefer to talk in Spanish and invite them to reflect about what is happening in the class.
Also – and this is an intrapersonal exercise – I try to speak in English all the time but it is not easy in my School because, as you know, Hispano is not a bilingual school. This means that 3 hours a week and only with me they have the opportunity to interact in the second language. Not all parents know the English language or have time to spend with their kids so it´s very little they can help them.

Finally, I will continue encouraging children to study the English language as it has become a key to open a fabulous new world in our future.