Why do we learn

foreign languages?

?
Using the Communicative
Method with Students

Communication is the key to

language learning.
 Teaching Methods
• Grammar-Translation Method:
Language is a system of rules.
• Direct Method:
Language should be learned the way you learn
your mother tongue.
• Audio-Lingual Method:
Language is about forming habits.
• Communicative Method:
Communication is the key to language learning.
 Communicative Method

• Based on a theory that language is communication

• Goal: Ability to communicate effectively.

• Fluency vs. Accuracy

 Fluency vs. Accuracy
• Fluency: Comfortably and creatively express ideas
and understand what others are saying, even if you
don’ t know all the words (use context to understand
meaning).

• What you say is more important than how you say it

• Accuracy: Mastery of grammar and correctness

Theory of Learning via Communicative
Method

• Activities that involve real communication to

promote learning.

• The language must be meaningful to the learner.

• Activities are selected only if they engage the learner

in meaningful and authentic language use
Is this a communicative activity?
Criteria for communicative activities:
• An Information Gap exists.
• Students must have a choice of what
they want to say and how to say it.
• Speakers must receive feedback.
• Use of Realia/Authentic Materials.
• Minimal teacher intervention.
Happy Teaching!
Tips for Communicative Lessons

TEACHERS MUST:
• Learn to talk less.
• Learn to adapt textbooks.
• Reorient students to the roles they and
teachers should assume.
• Gradually increase meaningful
interaction between students.
Technology in the Classroom
• Powerpoint Presentations
-FREE presentations at: www.pppst.com
Technology in the Classroom
• Movies
-Download from the Internet (ask your kids!)
-VLC Player: www.videolan.org
-Subtitles: www.opensubtitles.org
Technology in the Classroom
• Youtube videos
-Presentations, Karaoke, etc.
-Download youtube videos:
www.saveyoutube.com
Technology in the Classroom
• Powerpoint Presentations
-FREE presentations at: www.pppst.com
• Movies
-VLC Player: www.videolan.org
-Subtitles: www.opensubtitles.org
• Youtube videos
-Presentations, Karaoke, etc.
-Download youtube videos:
www.saveyoutube.com
 Useful ESL Websites
• www.onestopenglish.com
• www.eslcafe.com
• www.busyteacher.org
 English Practice Websites
• www.elllo.org
(focus on listening)
• www.Lang-8.com
(focus on writing)
• www.Livemocha.com
(lessons and pen-pals)