Communicative Approach & Dogme

Catalina, Natalia & María Jesús

 Introduction
We will explore two powerful language teaching
approaches that have revolutionized language
education.
The Communicative Approach and Dogme prioritize
communication, authenticity, and learner-centeredness,
providing dynamic and engaging language learning
experiences.
 Historical Background

Language teaching methods have evolved over time, with each

approach reflecting the prevailing theories and beliefs about
language and learning. The Communicative Approach and
Dogme emerged in the late 20th century as responses to the
limitations of traditional grammar-translation and
audio-lingual methods.
One of the principal strands of CLT was a shift away from a
focus on how language was formed to an emphasis on what
language was used for.
 Communicative Approach or
Communicative Language Teaching (CLT).
The Communicative
Approach is based on the
belief that the primary goal
of language learning is
effective communication. It
emphasizes the use of
language in authentic
contexts and focuses on
developing learners'
communicative
competence.
 The essential belief that if "language is communication,then students
should be involved in meaning-focused communicative tasks so that
"language learning will take care of itself. Activities in CLT typically
involve students in real or realistic communication. Thus, for example,
role-play and simulation (where students act out real communication in
a classroom setting) became very popular in CLT.
ROLES
- Teachers become facilitators
and guides, creating
opportunities for authentic
communication and providing
necessary language support.

- Learners become active participants, engaging in real-life

language use and acquiring language through meaningful
interaction.
- Materials play a crucial role in promoting communication,
reflecting real-life contexts,and exposing learners to authentic
language use.
 The Communicative Approach prioritizes oral skills, fluency,
and pragmatic competence, while also considering the
importance of accuracy.

Underlying Theories: The Communicative Approach is rooted

in functional and communicative theories of language,
focusing on language as a tool for communication and social
interaction.
Characteristic Procedures: Lessons in the Communicative
Approach involve interactive activities, role-plays,
problem-solving tasks, and discussions, promoting
communication and critical thinking skills

Prioritizes: It prioritizes effective communication, authentic

language use, and real-life contexts.

Tries to Avoid: The approach seeks to avoid overly focusing on

grammar drills and isolated language exercises.
 Dogme
Dogme, also known as Dogme ELT or Teaching Unplugged,
emerged as a minimalist approach to language teaching. It
focuses on emergent language and conversation-driven
learning, with an emphasis on the learners' needs and interests.

Dogme has the following

features
- it is conversation driven
- it is purposefully materials
light
- it focuses on emergent
language
ROLES:
Teachers: Facilitators, co-learners, adapt to emergent language,
encourage interaction.
Learners: Active participants, co-creators of content, collaborate,
develop language skills.

Materials:
Purposefully light,
responsive to needs,
diverse, support
authentic language
use.
Underlying Theories: Dogme is influenced by constructivist and
sociocultural theories of language and learning, emphasizing
the role of authentic communication in language development.

Characteristic Procedures: Lessons in Dogme typically involve

spontaneous conversations, collaborative content creation,
and responsive adaptation to emergent language.
Prioritizes: It prioritizes spontaneous, conversational
communication, emergent language, and learner needs and
interests.
Tries to Avoid: Dogme avoids an overreliance on published materials
and pre-determined syllabuses.
While CLT and Dogme ELT differ in their emphasis, they share
common elements.
Both approaches value interaction between learners and
teachers, with an aim at social communication. They
emphasize the importance of meaningful communication
and genuine language use in the learning process.
Furthermore, they encourage a learner-centered
environment, empowering students to take an active role in
their language learning journey.
Procedures in Communicative Approach & Dogme

Task-based activities:

- Role-plays, problem-solving
tasks, information gaps
and simulations
- Engage learners in real-life
language use
- Promote communication
and critical thinking skills
Communicative activities:
- Discussions, debates, and
interviews
- Encourage learners to
express opinions,
negotiate meaning, and
interact with others
- Develop fluency and
confidence in language
use
Student-centered approach:
- Pair and group work
- Peer feedback and collaboration
- Encourage learner autonomy and independence
 Reflection and negotiation of meaning:

- Opportunities for
learners to reflect on
their language use and
negotiate meaning
- Provide feedback and
clarification when
necessary
- Foster a supportive and
interactive learning
environment
Microteaching Activity 1: Information Gap
Draw what the other person is describing.
This activity promotes meaningful interaction,
information exchange, and problem-solving, all
central aspects of the Communicative
Approach.
Microteaching Activity 2:
Conversational Collaboration
"My Favorite Holiday
Destination".

Create a piece of content

based on the assigned
topic. It can be a story, a
dialogue, a poem, or any
other form of creative
expression.
Once the time is up, each
group will present their
creation to the rest of the
group.
This activity promotes learner autonomy, collaboration,
and creativity. It allows learners to engage in
conversation-driven learning, express themselves
authentically, and take ownership of their language
learning experience. By focusing on emergent language
and student-generated content, the Dogme approach is
effectively applied in this microteaching activity.
By prioritizing communication, meaningful interaction, and
authentic language use, these approaches empower learners
to become active participants in their language learning
journey.

Incorporating task-based and communicative activities, as well

as adopting a student-centered approach, fosters learner
engagement, autonomy, and fluency.
QUESTIONS