The Main Theories:
Communicative
Approach (CA) is based on learning by communicative
patterns in target language.
It is a student
and communication centered approach.
Authenticity in language learning process is one
of the most important factors.
Meaning has a prior function in learning, so
materials which are used in class must be authentic and contextual.
The Other Features of Communicative
Approach
Interaction
among students are crucial and must be led and enhanced by the teacher.
Learning lifestyles,
daily habits and body language differences between two languages (target and
native language) are important, so culture
is another important factor in CA.
Teacher is
not dominant in learning periods and it helps students to feel themselves more relaxed and freer in the class.
Teacher is a facilitator of learning and
responsible for leading students and activities. S/he monitors the students and
his/her main job is to decrease the threatening factors in the class.
Students are communicators and have a big
responsibility in their own learning processes.
Student - student and teacher – student interactions are seen constantly, this approach mainly
bases upon interaction.
Students
make use of interactive activities such as group works, pair works, discussions
and etc.
Meaning is a
very crucial factor in vocabulary
teaching. Vocabulary is taught by means of visual aids and a lot of authentic materials
such as newspapers, letters, time tables, English TV channels and etc.
Grammar teaching can be viewed in two ways:
Some structures in grammar may have more than one function and some of them may
have just one function.
For example;
When asking for a
permission (two forms / one function)
May I come in? (first
form for asking for permission)
Would you let me come
in? (second form for asking for permission)
The “Can” Modal (one form / more than one function)
We can carry this bag.
(ability function)
It can be cloudy
tonight. (possibility function)
Real life materials are good for learners’ gaining
target culture by authentic materials.
Task based activities encourage students to be more active
and social in the class.
Native language is not necessary in CA because the
main purpose is to expose students to target
language use.
Target
language use is a means for
communication rather than an end.
Accuracy and fluency are evaluated by integrative and communicative tests.
Improvisational activities can be a good means of evaluation of
students oral performances.
The main goal is to make the students
communicatively competent in target language.
Students
should know the grammatical forms and their functions.
Errors can be tolerated because they are natural results in learning
processes.
Students’
motivation is very important and they must feel themselves secure and relaxed
in classes.
Role play
activities, games and such enjoyable activities must be carried out to make the
class atmosphere better.
Giving the
students learning responsibility,
using authentic materials, carrying out games and role play activities are good
teaching techniques in CA.
Speaking and listening skills are prior to the others, but reading and writing
are also used in writing a letter to someone or reading texts.
Summarizing Keywords/Phrases:
Authenticity
Meaningful content
Communication
A relaxed atmosphere
Active learners
No native language use
Improvisation
