Grammar translation method was standard way languages were taught in school from the 17th-19th century. Despite attempts at reform from Roger Ascham, Montaigne Comenius and John Locke, no other methods gained any significant popularity during this time.

The grammar translation method is a method of teaching foreign languages derived from the classical. In grammar translation classes, students learn grammatical rules and then apply those rules by translating sentences between the target language and their native language. Advances students may be required to translate whole texts word-for-word. The method has two main goals: to enable students to read and translate literature written in the target language, and further students’ general intellectual development.

Grammar translation classes are usually conducted in the students’ native language. Grammar rules are learned deductively; students learn grammar rule by rote, and then practice the rules by doing grammar drills and translating sentences to and from the target language. 



Source : http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/grammar-translation-method.