COMMUNICATIVE LANGUAGE TEACHING (CLT)

 What is CLT?

     The "communicative approach to foreign language teaching", also known as Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) or the "communicative approach", emphasizes learning a language through genuine communication.

 Learning a new language is easier and more enjoyable when it is truly meaningful. Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) is an approach to teaching second and foreign languages ​​that emphasizes interaction as the means and the ultimate goal of language learning. It is also known as the "communicative approach to foreign language teaching" or simply the "communicative approach".

Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), or the communicative approach, is an endorsement of language teaching that emphasizes interaction as a means and as the ultimate goal of study. Language learners in settings that use CLT techniques learn and practice the target language by interacting with each other and with the instructor, studying "authentic texts" (those written in the target language for purposes other than language learning) and the use of language in class. combined with the use of the language outside of class.

Principles of the communicative approach:

1. Language learning is learning to communicate using the target language.

2. The language used to communicate must be appropriate to the situation, the roles of the         speakers, the setting, and the register. The student must differentiate between a formal and     informal style.

3. Communication activities are essential. Activities should be presented in a situation or         context and have a communicative purpose. Typical activities for this approach are: games,      problem-solving tasks, and role-playing. There must be a gap of information, options and          comments involved in the activities.

4. Students must have constant interaction and exposure to the target language.

5. The development of the four macroskills - speaking, listening, reading and writing - is               integrated from the beginning, as communication integrates the different skills.

6. Topics are selected and scored based on the age, needs, level, and interest of the                    students.

7. Motivation is essential. Teachers must spark the interest of students from the beginning of        the lesson.

8. The role of the teacher is that of guide, facilitator or instructor.

9. Trial and error is considered part of the learning process.

10. The evaluation refers not only to the accuracy of the students, but also to their fluency.

Its basic characteristics:

1. learn to communicate through interaction.

2. The introduction of authentic texts in the learning situation.

3. students focus on language and the learning process itself.

4. An improvement in the student's own personal experiences.

5. link language learning in the classroom with language activities.

Classroom activities

CLT teachers choose classroom activities based on what they believe is going to be most effective for students developing communicative abilities in the target language (TL). Oral activities are popular among CLT teachers, as opposed to grammar drills or reading and writing activities, because they include active conversation and creative, unpredicted responses from students. Activities vary based on the level of language class they are being used in. They promote collaboration, fluency, and comfort in the TL. The six activities listed and explained below are commonly used in CLT classrooms.

1. ROLE PLAY: Role-play is an oral activity usually done in pairs, whose main goal is to  evelop students' communicative abilities in a certain setting

2. INTERVIEWS: An interview is an oral activity done in pairs, whose main goal is to develop      students' interpersonal skills in the TL

3. TEAMWORK: Group work is a collaborative activity whose purpose is to foster communication in the TL, in a larger group setting

4. INFORMATION GAPEDIT: Information gap is a collaborative activity, whose purpose is for     students to effectively obtain information that was previously unknown to them, in the TL

5. SHARE OPINIONS: Opinion sharing is a content-based activity, whose purpose is to                engage students' conversational skills, while talking about something they care about.

-The instructor introduces a topic and asks students to contemplate their opinions about it. (E.g., dating, school dress codes, global warming

-The students talk in pairs or small groups, debating their opinions on the topic.

6. TREASURE HUNT: A scavenger hunt is a mingling activity that promotes open interaction    between students.

-The instructor gives students a sheet with instructions on it. (e.g. Find someone who has a birthday in the same month as yours.)

-Students go around the classroom asking and answering questions about each other.

-The students wish to find all of the answers they need to complete the scavenger hunt.

Merits of CLT

-There are many advantages of teaching according to the communicative approach:

-CLT is a holistic approach. It does not focus only on the traditional structural curriculum. Take into consideration the communicative dimension of language.

-CLT provides vitality and motivation within the classroom.

-CLT is a learner-centered approach. Take advantage of the interests and needs of the student.

-In a world where information communication and information technology have broken considerable new ground, CLT can play an important role in education.

 WEBSITES

http://www.bchmsg.yolasite.com/communicative-language-teaching.php

https://www.myenglishpages.com/blog/communicative-language-teaching-communicative-approach/