Communicative Language Teaching: Principles and Practices
Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)
CLT is an approach to learning and teaching, developed in reaction to the audiolingual and situational language teaching methods (based on structuralism and behaviorism). CLT emphasizes INTERACTION and sees it as:
- The ultimate goal of language learning.
- The process by which we learn a language.
Four Characteristics of CLT
- We use language to communicate.
- We need meaningful language to communicate effectively.
- The learner is the center of the teaching/learning process.
Enhancing Language Learning: The Power of Games in Education
Unit 18: The Role of Games and Creativity in Foreign Language Learning
Introduction: Current research in Foreign Language Teaching (FLT) highlights student motivation and interests as key factors in language acquisition. Games offer a powerful method to boost motivation and enhance teaching effectiveness by providing engaging, meaningful, and creative learning experiences. Well-designed games facilitate the learning and reinforcement of linguistic elements, the development of communicative skills,
Read MoreClassroom Storytelling Techniques and Assessment with Rubrics
Storytelling Corner
This is a place where you can read tales to children in the classroom.
Preparing Children for Storytelling
Activities to prepare children before telling a tale:
- Using Illustrations: Utilize pictures to help children understand and visualize the story. Many stories have illustrations that can introduce the narrative, elicit known vocabulary, introduce difficult words, and generally excite the child’s interest.
- Pre-teaching Vocabulary: Many stories are related to a specific topic. Introduce
Language Teaching Methods: A Comprehensive Comparison
Language Teaching Methods: A Comparison
Grammar Translation Method
- Origins: 16th century. Traditional technique originating from teaching Latin and Greek.
- Alternative Names: Classical Method.
- Skills Based On: Reading and writing.
- Centered On: Teacher.
- Features: Variety of exercises, long explanations, use of L1 and L2.
- Advantages: Requires less language proficiency from the teacher; lessons are easier to remember.
- Disadvantages: Difficult with large classes; teacher-centered; limited speaking and pronunciation
Language Acquisition: Forms, Meaning, and Social Learning
Focus on Forms
Units: Grammar rules/phonemes. Selection: Descriptive grammar & general consensus. Sequencing: Various notions of difficulty, frequency, or usefulness. Taught: One at a time/in pairs. Learned: Must accumulate them until the whole structure of the language has been built. Input: Artificial & simplified texts. Learner’s Role: Synthesize units for use in communication. Focus on forms: Inductively/deductively. Method: Presentation, practice, production.
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Read MoreThe Educator’s Impact: Roles, Attitudes & Methods
The Educator’s Role: Support and Facilitation
The role of the teacher or educator is primarily one of help and support for learners.
Educator Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepare and manage educational sessions.
- Select appropriate teaching techniques, activities, and content.
- Manage session time effectively.
- Organize the learning space, ensuring appropriate and flexible physical conditions (e.g., comfortable temperature, movable furniture).
- Act as a key resource alongside other materials and support systems.