the communicative approach in the esl/esol/tefl classroom

Today, the 'communicative approach' is pretty much everywhere in the language classroom, but teachers and students still don't quite understand the point of it.

Here's a good start:

The Communicative Approach is based on the idea that learning a language successfully comes through having to communicate real meaning. In the Communicative Approach, the main objective is to present a topic in context as natural as possible.

Communicative Approach in TESOL/TEFL (CLT)

And something a bit more academic

The Communicative Approach (CA) – or Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) –is “an approach to the teaching of second and foreign languages that emphasizes interaction as both the means and the ultimate goal of learning a language,” (“Communicative language teaching”, Wikipedia) going so far as to “initially [prioritize] communicative competence over accurate grammar“ (Hart). This approach comprises a wide range of methods, not a single, well-defined one, but invariably they all work towards showing the learners “how we really use language in authentic discourse” (Davies, Pearse 193-194). In general, CA lessons are built round situations which are practical and authentic in the real world, e.g. asking for information, complaining, apologizing, job interviews or telephoning. Consequently, dialogues, that occur, focus on communicative functions such as socializing, giving directions, or making telephone calls, which all have relevance and purpose in real-life situations, allowing students to see the direct benefit of learning (Hart).

AUTHENTIC LANGUAGE IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING | Masaryk University in Brno

Here's a good list from Gill Hart:

Gill Hart gives the following 13main core suggestions which make the CA the most successful language learning approach in use today. 

1. A teacher's main role is a facilitator and monitor rather than leading the class. In other words, "the guide by the side" and not "the sage on the stage". 

2. Lessons are usually topic or theme based, with the target grammar "hidden" in the context e.g. a job interview (using the Present Perfect tense.) 

3. Lessons are built round situations/functions practical and authentic in the real world e.g. asking for information, complaining, apologizing, job interviews, telephoning. 

4. Activities set by the teacher have relevance and purpose to real life situations - students can see the direct benefit of learning. 

5. Dialogues are used that centre around communicative functions, such as socializing, giving directions, making telephone calls. 

6. Emphasis on engaging learners in more useful and authentic language rather than repetitive phrases or grammar patterns. 

7. Emphasis on communication and meaning rather than accuracy. Being understood takes precedence over correct grammar. The fine tuning of grammar comes later. 

8. Emphasis is put on the “appropriacy” of language. What is the most appropriate language and tone for a particular situation? 

9. Communicative competence is the desired goal. i.e. being able to survive, converse and be understood in the language. 

10. Emphasis is put on correct pronunciation and choral (group) and individual drilling is used. 

11. Authentic listening and reading texts are used more often, rather than artificial texts simply produced to feature the target language. 

12. Use of songs and games are encouraged and provide a natural environment to promote language and enhance correct pronunciation. 

13. Feedback and correction is usually given by the teacher after tasks have been completed, rather than at the point of error, thus interrupting the flow.

The foundations of the communicative approach and three of its applications

There are more suggestions of what to do in the classroom:

Communicative approach | TeachingEnglish | British Council

3 Sample Activities Using the Communicative Approach with Intermediate Levels | OnTESOL

10 Ways to Apply the Communicative Language Teaching Method

Finally, there is the criticism that having fun in the classroom doesn't mean the students are actually learning anything - especially grammar!

Opposite to what critics say, Authentic Material is not used in a vacuum to spend some class time having fun. When ESL teachers properly use the Communicative Approach in the classroom, Authentic Material is supported with activities that reinforce practice of grammar structure.

For example, this Communicative Approach lesson plan developed by an OnTESOL graduate during the TESOL course shows how a TV show can be used to teach Phrasal Verbs. This other PPP lesson plan shows how a newspaper article can be used to teach the Present Progressive. The Engage-Study-Activate (ESA) framework is also a great way to teach English with the Communicative Approach. Here is a ESA lesson plan by an OnTESOL graduate.

Communicative Approach in TESOL/TEFL (CLT)

Teaching Grammar: Understanding Structures and Functions - YouTube

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