Why the communicative method works in language learning
Have you ever wondered what we CELTA/DELTA qualified teachers studied to prepare us for teaching?
Amongst many other things – “The History of English Language Teaching and Learning” is on the curriculum. Here is a condensed version of that history.
In this post, we’ll take a look at the history of learning English and the different methods that have been used in the past, and why the communicative method is the most widely diffused and why it works.
The History of Learning English
English has a long and interesting history of being taught as a second language. In the past, the focus was on grammar and vocabulary, with the belief that learning the rules of the language would lead to fluency. However, this approach proved to be ineffective, and many students struggled to communicate effectively in real-life situations.
Over time, a variety of different methods were developed, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here are some of the most popular methods of the past:
Grammar Translation Method
The Grammar Translation Method was one of the earliest methods of teaching English as a second language. This method focused on learning grammar rules and translating sentences from English into the student’s native language. However, this method had several disadvantages, including:
– A lack of focus on speaking and listening skills
-A lack of immersion in the language
-A focus on translating rather than understanding the language
The grammar-translation method has been long discarded by modern linguistics and language teaching approaches, as it does not provide learners with sufficient opportunities to develop communicative competence in the target language.
Audio-Lingual Method
The Audio-Lingual Method was popular in the mid-20th century. This method focused on repetition and memorisation of language patterns, with an emphasis on drilling pronunciation and grammar. However, this method also had several disadvantages, including:
-A lack of focus on communication skills
-A lack of opportunities for students to use the language in real-life situations
-A lack of emphasis on comprehension and understanding
Direct Method
The Direct Method was developed as a response to the limitations of the Grammar Translation Method and the Audio-Lingual Method. This method focused on teaching English through immersion, with the teacher speaking only in English and the students learning through context and real-life situations. While this method was more effective than its predecessors, it still had some limitations, including:
-A lack of focus on grammar and vocabulary
-A lack of structure and guidance for students
– A lack of consistency across different teachers and classrooms
The Communicative Method
The Communicative Method is the most widely used method of teaching English and other languages as foreign languages today and for good reason. This method focuses on communication and interaction between students, with a strong emphasis on using the language in real-life situations. Here are some of the key features of the Communicative Method:
- Communication is the primary goal of language learning
- Learning is focused on real-life situations and contexts
- Students are encouraged to work together and interact with each other
- Grammar and vocabulary are taught in context, rather than in isolation
- Mistakes are seen as a natural part of the learning process
There are several reasons why the Communicative Method is so effective.
First and foremost, it focuses on the ultimate goal of language learning – communication. By giving students opportunities to use the language in real-life situations, they are able to develop their communication skills in a natural and meaningful way.
Secondly, the Communicative Method is flexible and adaptable to the needs of individual students. Teachers can use a variety of materials and activities to meet the specific needs of their students and can create personalised learning experiences that are tailored to each student’s strengths and weaknesses.
Finally, the Communicative Method encourages students to work together and interact with each other. This not only helps to develop their communication skills but also their social skills and ability to work in a team.
The Conclusion
While there have been many different methods of teaching English in the past, the Communicative Method is by far the most effective and widely used today. By focusing on communication and real-life situations, this method provides students with the skills and confidence they need to use English effectively in the world.
Here are some additional benefits of the Communicative Method:
- It encourages active participation and engagement from students
- It promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- It supports cultural awareness and sensitivity
- It helps students develop their creativity and self-expression
- It prepares students for success in a globalised world where English is often the lingua franca
It is important to note that while the Communicative Method is highly effective, it is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Different students have different needs and learning styles, and it is important for teachers to be flexible and adaptable in their approach. Additionally, while the Communicative Method is the most widely used method of teaching English, it is not the only method. Some students may benefit from a more structured approach that focuses on grammar and vocabulary, while others may benefit from a more immersive approach that focuses on real-life situations.
To sum up, the Communicative Method is the most widely used method of teaching English today. By focusing on communication and real-life situations, this method provides students with the skills and confidence they need to use English effectively in the world. However, it is important for teachers to be flexible and adaptable in their approach, and to recognise that different students have different needs and learning styles. By doing so, teachers can create personalised learning experiences that help students succeed in the classroom and beyond.
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