1
Q
Communicative Language Learning
background
A
- Communicative language teaching was developed from the research and writings of applied linguists who emphasized that language equaled communication.
- In CLT, the goal of language teaching should be based on communicative competence.
- Communicative competence is defined as the ability to create meaning when interacting with others in the target language, so the focus is on communication in authentic situations.
- This approach led initially to the institution of the notional-functional approach.
2
Q
Communicative Language Learning
Strengths
A
The strength of CLT is that it creates a learning environment that closely replicates how students will use language in real-life situations. That is, students participate in real, authentic, and interactive language use in the classroom.
3
Q
Communicative Language Learning
Weaknesses
A
- A caveat to this approach is that some practitioners may see communication as only oral/aural skills and may not put enough emphasis on the reading and writing skills that some students may need.
- Another caveat is that in an attempt to produce communicative skills quickly, accuracy may be overlooked or given little attention.
