There are many different methods of learning English. One of them is a communicative technique. This is a long-established approach to teaching pupils and students of foreign languages in Europe and the USA.
The main goals of the communicative methodology are teaching the language through practice, getting rid of fears and helping to overcome the language barrier.
What is a communicative teaching method
This technique appeared about 50 years ago in the UK. It was then that English received the status of an international language. The existing methods at that time were far from ideal, and more and more people for whom English was a foreign language encountered difficulties in learning. It was more important for students to learn the language and begin to put it into practice as soon as possible, but in fact the training was aimed at systematizing and in-depth study of grammatical features. People whose goal was to study for further communication did not receive the necessary knowledge, did not speak well and did not know anything about verbal etiquette. So the communicative methodology of learning the English language began to emerge. Her goal was to teach people to fully communicate in real life.
The essence of the method is that fictional texts, which are completely far from reality, replace dialogues from everyday life. Pupils are fully involved in the dialogue. For example, they do not tell about themselves according to the scheme: “My name is Petya. I am from Tver. I am a student”, but they build a dialogue and ask each other questions, playing the scene of an acquaintance.
In the first lessons, topics that are familiar and interesting to everyone are chosen for discussion, so that students develop the possibility of spontaneous use of the language.
The main difference between the communicative methodology is that there is no specific lesson plan. It all depends on the questions and answers asked by the students and the simulated situations. Each next lesson is a discussion of new topics and exercises. This allows you to fully develop the capabilities of students and conduct lessons so that they do not get bored.
The main goal of the communicative approach
The communicative teaching method is aimed at ensuring that students can freely communicate in English live, without fear and fear of being misunderstood. A person who has studied according to this technique will be able to find a common language with foreigners in an English-speaking country, having mastered the standard set of phrases and knowing up to 1000 words.
However, students of this methodology need to delve into the study and not drop out after a few months. Otherwise, possible grammatical errors and cliched phrases will not make it possible to pass for a smart and interesting interlocutor.
Method Features
According to some sources, this technique is most suitable for those who already have some knowledge in this area, for example, school students, students who attended basic courses. But, in addition to this, the main principles of the communicative method of teaching English help:
- to overcome the language barrier, because the purpose of the approach is to teach the student to communicate without hesitation - the lion's share of classes is assigned to the practice of communication;
- start speaking English after the first lesson - after the first lesson, the student’s vocabulary will be replenished with at least 20 phrases that can be actively used in conversations;
- to master fluent speech - in the classroom, a communication skill in English is developed as quickly and skillfully as in the native language;
- develop understanding of the language - since in the process of learning a person not only speaks, but also listens, the skill of perceiving the language by ear develops;
- quickly replenish vocabulary - the learning technology is designed so that people can quickly learn a language and start to speak it fluently, in the first months of study, a student learns about 60% of the average English vocabulary;
- not to be bored in the lessons - after all, the lesson takes place in the form of interesting activities: live communication, educational games, mutual assistance;
- to save - this is a popular learning system used in many language centers, plus there is no need to purchase expensive textbooks.
Who should use this method?
The communicative approach in teaching foreign languages has its own peculiarities, therefore, not every student may be suitable, it all depends on the goals and objectives set for learning. This is the best way to learn a language for:
- People who want to improve their spoken language skills. This technique helps to overcome the fear of mistakes, and constant conversations in English - hone the pronunciation and learn the rules necessary for the correct construction of sentences.
- Those who want to be able to keep the conversation at an acceptable level. During the training, the English teacher gives his students the opportunity to conduct dialogues on many interesting topics. Therefore, having met a native English speaker, you can easily start and maintain a conversation with him on most popular topics.
- Those who want to improve their understanding of speech. This is a very important skill - listening to the language, thanks to this you can become a full-fledged interlocutor (after all, listening is no less important than speaking), as well as watching films and programs in English.
- Those who need to learn to speak English beautifully and correctly. Often, beautiful speech adds confidence, and this contributes to a positive reaction of the interlocutor. Lack of emphasis is the key to a good dialogue.
- Those who are tired of boring lessons in classes based on a communicative method of teaching English, the tasks are always interesting.
It is acceptable to study using this methodology from scratch, however, those who have some knowledge of the language will be given easier training.
A communicative technique helps to learn fluent speech - this is a very frequent requirement from foreign employers. Regular speech training will help you master this skill.
First of all, learning through communication was created for those who care about the practical part and, as a result, the opportunity to talk with foreigners without hesitation. But for the successful passing of the majority of Russian exams and tests this knowledge will not be enough.
Basic principles of the work program
In classes based on a communicative method of teaching English, the work program consists of many tasks aimed at solving practical problems: for example, it can be ordering food in a restaurant, buying a ticket at the station, visiting a doctor or choosing a destination for travel.
There are two types of tasks:
- Solving functional communication problems: comparing images and finding differences, arranging events in the correct order, filling in gaps on cards and figures, following directions and solving assigned tasks.
- Improving the skill of social communication: lively communication, building dialogs, impromptu scenes, role-playing games and debates.
How are classes
The main goal of the work program of the communicative methodology of teaching English is to teach students live communication. To achieve this, the student must remember the necessary grammatical constructions and master the average vocabulary. For this, the lesson plan consists of several modules:
- Presentation of grammatical construction. Students are given the opportunity to read or listen to the text with the material being studied and answer questions regarding it.
- Work with the studied material. Pupils find the necessary grammatical construction in the text. With the help of a teacher or mentor, they formulate a rule for its use in the language.
- Practice under the supervision of a teacher: writing with design. For example, test tasks or filling in gaps in offers.
- Limited practice with the use of design - communication with the teacher.
- Free practice: paired or group tasks - dialogues with each other, modeling of life situations.
Modern realities: language lessons on Skype
With the development of technology, education is becoming more accessible to anyone with an Internet connection. Personal meetings with an English teacher are no longer needed. You can successfully learn remotely - using Skype. Moreover, the effectiveness of such classes is no worse than with a personal presence.
The number of students in one group does not have a rigid framework. All participants are connected to the lesson in the videoconference mode and the lesson is held on the same principle as the classes in the classes. The only caveat - the quality of the image and sound should be at the highest level.
Teacher function
In the communicative methodology of teaching English, the role of the teacher is significantly different from other approaches. Here he does not act as a strict caretaker, but performs several important functions:
- analyzes the existing knowledge and needs of each student individually;
- Helps the student replenish their supply of language tools;
- divides students into groups and monitors the effectiveness of their work;
- gives advice and helps to solve problems of students in the field of English;
- controls the student and the language being studied, but without any framework and restrictions, only where there is a need.
Communicative Methods of Teaching English at School
This technique is successfully used not only in adult education, but also in children of both preschool and school age. A communicative method of teaching English to children is the development of oral communication skills, writing, reading and listening comprehension. The subjects studied in the lessons are selected based on the interests of the child: discussion of the family, school, weather, hobbies, games.
At the beginning of the lesson, the teacher explains the rules of grammar and complex topics in Russian, and then the students are divided into pairs and conduct dialogs already in English.
In elementary school, learning by this method takes place by immersion in the culture of English-speaking countries. Students improve communication skills and learn the specifics of English life. The task of the teacher is to maintain the motivation of students to learn the language.
Do you need textbooks
As a rule, with a teacher in groups on a communicative method of teaching English, students use textbooks to a minimum. After all, the main basis of the program is communication. The teacher or the organization that supervises the learning process in a particular school usually chooses the teaching material.
Students in the classroom often need a workbook than the textbook itself. But for a more in-depth study of English or self-study on a communicative methodology, you can use some of the teaching aids intended for this.
The best textbooks for learning English using a communicative technique are provided with colorful illustrations, they have a lot of useful and interesting information about the culture and mores of people from different countries. Here is some of them:
- Longman, New Cutting Age is a 6-level tutorial where each level consists of 15 blocks. There are lots of tasks for training communication skills. Each block has a section called Real Life; here are examples of various situations from real life and a set of phrases for discussing them.
- Express Publishing, Enterprise - consists of a textbook, workbook and a separate block of grammar. The structure of training for this manual is as follows: first, an introduction to the topic, then reading, after which the vocabulary block repeats and studies new words. Here much attention is paid to the study of grammatical foundations and lexical constructions.
- Longman, New Total English - also consists of a workbook and the textbook itself. Plus, a DVD is included in the kit of this course, on which video material for each new block is recorded.
- Oxford, New English File - a textbook designed for those who want to learn English for themselves. It has exercises to work through many skills. It also has a good dictionary at the end of the book.
- Oxford, New Hotline - A course for teens. Each block is a new photo-episode that tells about the life of British teenagers, which is accompanied by new phrases and grammar rules. This is an interesting educational material introducing young people to the culture and social phenomena of Great Britain. However, not much attention is paid to grammar here, so this textbook is better to use in combination with another manual.
This is not a complete list of textbooks, however, these manuals received the highest rating among students and teachers.
Feedback on learning English using communication techniques
About the communicative method of teaching English, the reviews are mostly positive. If you understand that the goal of this approach is to teach the student to talk with foreigners well and without hesitation, to be able to maintain a conversation on the main topics. Thus, a person who has successfully completed a training course using this methodology can easily start a conversation with an Englishman, will know the nuances of the culture and customs of English-speaking countries and will not fall into an awkward situation, being within them.
Due to the fact that the study is step-by-step, students do not experience difficulties, moving from one block to another. They go to the next stage only after fully understanding the previous one. This is followed by the teacher, evaluating the degree of preparation of each student individually.
However, this system also has disadvantages. It is not suitable for those who wish to study complex grammatical constructions and generally delve into the field of grammar. After all, most of the lesson is devoted to conversation.
What results and for how long can be achieved
In a relatively short period of time - about 3 months of a communicative methodology for teaching English - the results can be quite significant.
Understanding is developing. A person will be able to understand foreign speech not only in situations familiar to him, but also correctly respond and behave in new ones. Speaking skills are improved, and also a person masters the articulation base of the English language, i.e. his pronunciation improves, he can pick up the necessary intonation, and the emphasis will become practically not noticeable.
Important grammatical foundations and constructs also become available and no longer terrify communication. You can safely enter into a dialogue with foreigners to solve everyday problems and simple communication. And while not being afraid to look stupid or say something wrong, the knowledge gained during training will be enough to earn the title of an interesting conversationalist.
Despite the fact that this technique was applied in Russia only in the 90s, teachers have already managed to accumulate solid practice. Plus, every year the methodology improves, and teachers find new approaches to their students. We can say that the communicative method has no serious competitors in teaching spoken language.
You can learn in the old way - from textbooks and audio books. But only live communication can teach a person to speak English beautifully. To find out if this method is suitable for training a specific person, you can only try and make sure of its effectiveness.