Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) Lecture Notes

Introduction to CLT

• Defined as a methodology that has evolved since the 1970s.
• Many language teachers identify CLT as their methodology of choice but often have varied interpretations.
• Key questions: What does CLT mean? Does it imply teaching conversation, absence of grammar, or emphasis on discussions?

Understanding CLT

• CLT is a set of principles regarding:
  • Goals of language teaching
  • Assumptions about language learning
  • Classroom activities that facilitate learning
  • Roles of teachers and learners

Goals of CLT

• Communicative Competence: Focus on using language for communication, contrasting with linguistic competence (grammatical correctness).
  • Includes:
    • Using language for various purposes and functions.
    • Adapting language according to the setting and audience.
    • Cross-cultural communication.
    • Producing different types of texts (narratives, reports, conversations).
    • Maintaining communication despite limitations in language proficiency.

Learning Processes in CLT

• Key processes:
  • Interaction with language users.
  • Collaborative meaning creation.
  • Negotiation of meaning through interaction.
  • Attention to feedback and language noticing.
  • Experimentation with language usage.

Shift in Teaching Practices

• Movement from:
  • Traditional focus on grammar and accuracy (drills, memorization).
  • Towards fluency and communicative-based activities (pair work, role plays, project work).

Roles in the Classroom

• Learners:

  • Engage in cooperative learning.
  • Take responsibility for their own learning.

• Teachers:

  • Act as facilitators and monitors, rather than authoritarian figures.
  • Support learners in language use rather than just correcting errors.

Historical Context of CLT

• Created enthusiasm in the 1970s and 80s, prompting rethinking of teaching practices and materials.
• Grammar no longer served as the starting point for courses.
• Emphasis on meaningful communication over rote grammar.

Evolution of CLT

• Since the 1990s:
  • CLT has evolved as our understanding of second language learning has grown.
  • No single set of practices defines modern CLT, but it consists of agreed-upon principles adaptable to various contexts.

Characteristics of Modern CLT Activities

• Activities typically aim to:
  • Develop communicative competence linking grammar with communication.
  • Include problem-solving, information sharing, role-play, and task-based activities.
  • Use authentic materials for engagement and valid language models.

Phases of Development in CLT

1. Early Phase: Focus on developing syllabuses based on communicative competence.
2. Needs Analysis: Shift towards identifying learners' communicative needs.
3. Classroom Activities: Emphasis on group work, task work, and information gap activities.

Conclusion

• Modern CLT principles are applied flexibly, addressing various aspects of language teaching and learning processes.