Discussion of Communicative Approach

What are the goals of teachers who use communicative language teaching (CLT)?
answer : The goal is to enable students to communicate in the target language. To do this students need knowledge of the linguistics forms, meanings, and functions. They need to know that many different forms can be used to perform a function and also that a single form can often serve a variety of functions. They must be able to choose from among these the most appropriate form, given the social context and the roles of the instructors. They must also be able to manage the process of negotiating meaning with their interlocutors. Communication is a process; knowledge of the forms of language is insufficient.
What is the role of the teacher? what is the role of the students?
answer : The teacher facilitates communication in the classroom. In this role, one of his major responsibilities is to establish situations likely to promote communication. During the activities he acts as an adviser, answering students questions and monitoring their performance. He might make note of their errors to be worked on at a later time during more accuracy-based activities. At other times he might be a 'communicator' engaging in the communicative activity along with students.
What are some characteristics of the teaching/learning process?
answer : The most obvious characteristics of CLT is that almost everything that is done is done with a communicative intent. Students use the language a great deal through communicative activities such as games, role plays, and problem-solving tasks.
What is the nature of student-teacher interaction? what is the nature student-student interaction?
answer : The teacher may present some part of the lesson, such as when working with linguistic accuracy. At other times, he is facilitator of the activities, but he does not always himself interact with the students. Sometimes he is a co-communicator, but more often he establishes situations that prompt communication between and among the students.
How are the feelings of the students dealt with?
answer : One of the basic assumptions of CLT is that by learning to communicate students will be more motivated to study a foreign language since they will feel they are learning to do something useful with the language. Also, teachers give students an opportunity to express their individuality by having them share their ideas and opinions on a regular basis. Finally, student security is enhanced by the many opportunities for cooperative interactions with their follow students and the teacher.