Communicative Approach

Communicative Approach

1. Goals

   • Acquire knowledge of the lingusitic forms, meanings and functions.
   • Learn how and when to use the language according to the social context and the roles of the interlocutors.

2. Characteristics

   • Everything that is done has a communicative intent.
   • Conversation has to be free so students can choose the form and content of their conversation. (No chain drills)
   • Work in small groups of students.
   • The use of authentic materials, have students develop their own strategies for understanding the language.

3. Interaction

   • Student-Teacher
     • The teacher acts as a facilitator and establishes situations that engage students in conversation.
   • Student-Student
     • Students mostly interact with each other.

4. How is it viewed?

   • Language
     • Language is used for communication
   • Culture
     • Everyday lifestyle of the people who use the language.
     • Non-verbal communication

5. Native Language

   • The use of the native language is permitted but conversations, explanations and instructions are always produced in the target language.

6. Evaluation

   • It may be done in a formal or informal way
   • Student's accuracy and fluency is evaluated.

7. Emphasis

   • The four skills are equally used since the beginning.
   • Language functions over forms.
   • Students work with language at a discourse level.

8. Feelings

   • Students are motivated in learning the language and they are given the freedom to express their individuality.

9. Roles

   • Teacher
     • Facilitates communication, monitors conversations and advises students.
   • Students
     • Students are communicators, engaged in negotiating meaning and also seen as responsible of their learning.