Has it exactly been eleven days since my last post. Notwithstanding, it does seem slightly longer. Probably due to the fact that I have been somewhat introspective these past few days. As promised however, I will keep on talking about language teaching methods and approaches. This time, the focus will be on "The Communicative Approach". A widely spread and highly successful approach that has been around since the 1960s. 

As its name would suggest, its main focus is on communication. Thus, meaning that the best way to learn a language is through interaction. Even though it is important to learn about grammar, vocabulary, and discourse, the study of them alone will not guarantee fluency in the target language. Consequently, the need to keep a balanced syllabus or lesson plan. In addition, teacher should not only take CLT (Communicative Language Teaching) into account when preparing their classes,  but also other approaches. As I have mentioned on my previous posts, the ideal method for a successful language class is to be able to use an "Eclectic approach" (Blend of different approaches). For instance, useful activities applying this method in the classroom would be: Group work and role-play. Not to mention the use of authentic materials/realia (Examples of real language used for real communication).

What is more, reducing the amount of teacher talking time is essential when using this approach. In fact,  learners must become active users of the target language. Hence, the role of the teacher should be more of a facilitator. Needless to say that even when correcting, language instructors must be tactful. Case in point, rather than being curt with a student when he makes a mistake, we can make use of techniques such as recasting/shadowing (Repeating the last sentence the student said with the correct structure). So as not to raise their the students' affective filter that is (Not to make them anxious). Furthermore, emphasis is on fluency when using CLT. Irrespective of how indispensable it may seem to use the target language accurately, it will not matter if the learner does not speak it fluently. Therefore, none of the aforesaid should be disregarded. Lastly, basing our lesson on our students communicative needs is also key to having a worthwhile class.

In conclusion, I would say as follows: Even though it might not seem easy to communicate fluently in the target language at first, we should not let our students get discouraged. Learning a language takes time, patience and dedication. Doing things in order to make certain that our students are motivated and learning appropriately is crucial too. Using a language register that is slightly above theirs will constantly challenge them for example. Besides, allowing students to learn grammar through a heuristic method could prove useful as well. I am of the opinion however, that learners should be exposed to both. Activities making use  of the language structures, and short explanations so as to consolidate their learning.

PS. Before I go, I will leave you with the following quote whose author I neglected to find:

"I hope learning English is not your New Year's resolution. It should be your life's resolution"

Sources:

- The TKT Teaching Knowledge Test Course Modules 1, 2 and 3, Cambridge University Press, 2011.
- http://eldstrategies.com/affectivefilter.html
 - Fiona Sloane YouTube Channel