The communicative method of teaching is a language teaching approach that focuses on communicative competence, or the ability to use language to communicate effectively in real-life situations. In this blog post, we’ll explore what the communicative method of teaching is and how it can be used to improve language learning.
The communicative method of teaching emphasizes the use of language in meaningful contexts, rather than simply memorizing grammar rules and vocabulary. This approach is based on the idea that language learning is most effective when learners are engaged in activities that require them to use the language in real-life situations.
One way to implement the communicative method of teaching is through pair and group work activities. For example, students can work in pairs to practice using the language to describe themselves and others, or in groups to discuss a topic or solve a problem. These activities encourage students to use the language in meaningful ways, and help them develop their communication skills.
Another important aspect of the communicative method of teaching is feedback. Teachers using this approach provide students with immediate and constructive feedback on their language use. This feedback helps students identify areas where they need to improve and make adjustments to their language use.
Examples using that method
Here’s an example of how to use the communicative method to teach the verb “to be”:
Start with a brief explanation of what the verb “to be” means, and give some examples of sentences that use it (e.g. “I am a student,” “She is happy,” “They are friends”).
Ask your students to work in pairs and write down five sentences each using the verb “to be” in different forms (e.g. am, is, are). Encourage them to use personal pronouns (I, you, he/she/it, we, they) and different adjectives to describe people, places, and things.
Once they have written their sentences, have each pair present them to the class. As they present, encourage the other students to listen and take notes.
After each pair has presented, ask the class to share their notes and point out any errors they heard in the sentences. Use these errors as a teaching opportunity to review the correct forms of “to be” and explain any confusion.
Finally, give the class a group activity where they have to use the verb “to be” to describe a famous person or character. For example, they could describe Harry Potter as “He is a wizard,” or describe Beyonce as “She is a singer and dancer.” Encourage them to use as many different forms of “to be” as possible, and have each group present their description to the class.
The communicative method of teaching is an effective approach to language learning that focuses on developing communicative competence. By emphasizing the use of language in meaningful contexts, providing opportunities for pair and group work, and offering constructive feedback, this approach can help learners improve their language skills and communicate effectively in real-life situations.
here are some potential links for this article: