The Principles of Communicative Language Teaching
Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) is a language teaching method that emphasises interaction and real-life communication. The primary goal of CLT is to develop learners’ communicative competence, which includes not only grammatical proficiency but also the ability to use language appropriately in various real life contexts. This approach is grounded in the belief that language learning is most effective when students are actively engaged in meaningful communication.
One of the core principles of CLT is the use of authentic materials and real-life scenarios. This means that instead of relying solely on textbook exercises, you can incorporate materials such as newspapers, videos, and real-world tasks that students are likely to encounter outside the classroom. This helps students to see the relevance of what they are learning and to apply their skills in practical situations.
Another key principle is the focus on learner-centred activities. In a CLT classroom, students are encouraged to take an active role in their learning. This often involves group work, role-play, pair activities, and discussions that require students to use the target language to communicate with their peers. As a teacher, you act as a facilitator, guiding students and providing support as needed.
How CLT Differs from Traditional Language Teaching
Traditional language teaching methods often focus on the rote memorisation of vocabulary and grammar rules. These methods typically involve a lot of teacher-led instruction and individual work, with students spending much of their time listening to lectures and completing written exercises. While this approach can be effective for learning the basics of a language, it often falls short in helping students develop the ability to use the language in real-life situations.
In contrast, CLT places a much greater emphasis on communication and interaction. Instead of simply learning about the language, your students in a CLT classroom are encouraged to use the language to accomplish specific tasks and to interact with others. This helps to develop not only their linguistic skills but also their confidence and ability to think on their feet.
Another significant difference is the role of the teacher. In traditional language teaching, the teacher is often seen as the primary source of knowledge and authority. In a CLT classroom, however, your role is more that of a facilitator or guide. This shift in roles helps to create a more dynamic and interactive learning environment, where students feel more empowered to take charge of their own learning.
Real-Life Communication in CLT
One of the hallmarks of CLT is its focus on real-life communication. This means that classroom activities are designed to mimic the kinds of interactions that students are likely to have outside the classroom. For example, you might engage your students in role-plays, simulations, or problem-solving tasks that require them to use the target language to achieve specific goals.
These activities are often open-ended, meaning that there is no single correct answer or outcome. This encourages students to think creatively and to use the language in flexible and adaptive ways. It also helps to develop their ability to negotiate meaning and to handle unexpected situations, which are crucial skills for effective communication.
In addition to these interactive activities, CLT also makes use of authentic materials. This might include things like news articles, videos, or even social media posts. By working with these materials, students get a sense of how the language is used in real-world contexts, and they can practice interpreting and responding to different types of communication.
The Teacher’s Role in CLT
In a CLT classroom, your role is multifaceted. Rather than simply delivering information, you act as a facilitator, organiser, and supporter. This involves creating a learning environment that encourages interaction and communication, and providing students with the tools and opportunities they need to practice their skills.
One of your primary responsibilities is to design and implement activities that promote meaningful communication. This might involve setting up role-plays, organising group discussions, or creating problem-solving tasks. You also need to be able to adapt these activities to meet the needs and interests of your students, and to provide appropriate feedback and support.
Another important aspect of your role is to monitor and assess students’ progress. This involves not only evaluating their linguistic skills but also their ability to use the language effectively in different contexts. You need to be able to provide constructive feedback that helps students to improve and to develop their communicative competence.
At Sanako, we understand the importance of effective language teaching methods like CLT. Our language teaching solutions are designed to support you in creating dynamic and interactive learning environments that help students to develop their language skills and communicative competence.
