As its name will tell you, the Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) method is all about enabling students to communicate in their new language. Unlike other more antiquated foreign language approaches, the goal is not to be able to recite obscure grammar conjugations or to memorize fourteen synonyms for the word “talkative,” but rather to know how to use the language to communicate in real-world situations.
Communication in this sense means the four key areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening, with CLT courses usually putting a premium on the second two. “Real-world situations” depend on the students’ ages, proficiency levels, and goals. For younger students, real-world situations may revolve around how to handle a day at school in a new language. For adults, it could be how to navigate a foreign airport, virtually collaborate with coworkers in another country, or give a technical lecture in another language.
What is a CLT class like?
CLT activities are usually centered around role-plays, group discussions, and problem-solving tasks for real-life situations, like going to the store, ordering food, or following a map in another language. Students are encouraged to make mistakes, and a good CLT teacher will create a classroom environment that promotes student participation and a collective understanding that the important thing is getting your idea across, rather than saying nothing for fear of using the wrong verb tense. The Communicative Language Teaching approach involves a lot of pair and group work (it’s hard to communicate by yourself), and feedback is centered more on how to better communicate rather than nitpicking minor details.
This methodology is similar to Stephen Krashen’s Natural Approach, but whereas the Natural Approach emphasizes comprehensible inputs in a low-stress environment, CLT is all about authenticity. If the real-life situation involves potential stress (like a job interview), then the lesson looks to recreate that scenario as accurately as possible.
Are Grammar and Reading neglected in CLT?
Critics of CLT will normally point to the issue of grammar, and, indeed, one of the most radical differences between CLT and traditional methods is how grammar is approached. Traditional methods place a significant emphasis on verb tenses, memorizing prepositions, etc., whereas CLT looks to address grammar as it arises naturally in a lesson. It is a complement to the lesson rather than a lesson itself. For example, the teacher may point out a verb form in a text, then briefly tell what it is, when to use it, and give other examples of it.
Reading also plays a significant role in the CLT method, though it is not the fiction and literature focus found in most foreign language classes. Rather than covering texts that have been in a curriculum for decades, reading is centered more around internet research and articles related to the specific real-life situation being practiced that day in class.
Typical Lesson
4th Grade English class for native Spanish speakers
Topic: College Interviews
- Group Brainstorming Session
The teacher asks students for typical interview questions they may face during an interview with a college admissions officer or board. These would include typical questions like:
“Why did you choose this field of study?”
“What can you personally contribute to our school?”
“What are your biggest weaknesses as a student?”
- Video
Students watch a video that gives general interview tips like being on time, having good posture, bringing copies of everything an interviewer may request, et
- Paired Interview Practice
The teacher pairs off students randomly and arranges the desks so that students are facing one another. One student is assigned to be the interviewer, the other the interviewee. The interviewer will take notes during the interview, writing down positive and negative things the interviewee did.
Students then switch roles and repeat the mock interview. While students are conducting their practice interviews, the teacher walks around the classroom to observe and take notes.
- Grou Recap
The teacher discusses some overall positives and negatives observed, giving specific examples for the good (Juan Daniel did a great job of speaking clearly and confidently), and nonspecific examples for the bad (I noticed a lot of people still slouching in their seats).
- One-on-one Interview with Teacher
The teacher will ask for a volunteer to hold a one-on-one interview in front of the class. The teacher will ask questions that require the student to use the lessons learned during class.
Role of the Teacher
The teacher is not lecturing in these types of classes, but rather facilitating real-life situations and guiding students as they navigate different tasks. As there is less emphasis on accent practice and grammar, the teacher must make sure that these areas are not neglected, providing feedback and instruction at the proper times
Positives of the CLT Methodology
- Practical lessons provide real-world skills;
- Dynamic classes that are typically enjoyable for students and teachers;
- Helps develop strong speaking and listening skills.
Negatives of the CLT Methodology
- Younger or lower-level students may require more teacher assistance;
- Grammar skills can be lacking, which may be detrimental when students must take standardized tests;
- Can be difficult to assess how students are progressing individually;
- Planning lessons that engage all different levels of learners can be difficult.
Final Thoughts
The CLT methodology is an incredibly beneficial tool in any foreign language teacher’s toolbox, and experienced instructors will find ways to implement some form of CLT activities into almost every class. For adult learners and those studying Business English, this system can be the backbone of many classes and even the curriculum itself. Younger learners may require a bit more guided instruction and one-on-one help from the teacher, but they too will learn and benefit from the variety of engaging classroom activities in the CLT method.
