Communicative Approach to ESL1 The Communicative Approach to ESL is an approach to language learning that emerged in the 1970s and

1980s as the emphasis shifted from kno ledge of language forms! meanings and functions to the use of language! the a"ilit# to appl# the kno ledge ac$uired% Principles of the Communicative Approach to ESL Principle Authentic materials are used (ne function can have man# different forms Students need to learn cohesion and coherence Students should "e given the opportunit# to e)press their opinions Errors are tolerated to a certain e)tent Encourage cooperative relationships among students/ opportunit# to negotiate meaning The social conte)t of the communicative is essential Learning to use language forms appropriatel# is important Application Teacher uses ne spaper columns! &o" advertisements! eather reports! menus! catalogues' Students can communicate for a specific purpose in man# a#s Teacher uses activities such as scram"led sentences *ames are useful as are activities here students must communicate and receive feed"ack +did the listener,reader understand-. (ther students and teacher ignore errors Teacher uses strip stories/ students ork together to predict ne)t picture Teacher uses role0pla#s Teacher reminds student of the role the# are pla#ing or the particular situation the# are in and ho that impacts on the communication/ teacher encourages students to develop independent learning skills Teacher moves from group to group! offering advice and ans ering $uestions/ teacher colla"orates ith students to select goals! content and processes Students and teacher suggest alternative forms that could "e used 1or home ork! students are asked to listen to a de"ate on the radio or atch one on television

Teacher acts as advisor,facilitator

Speakers have choices in communication of what to sa# and how to sa# it Students should "e given opportunities to develop strategies for interpreting language as it is actuall# used "# native speakers

Adapted from Techniques and Principles in Language Teaching, 2nd ed., Diane LarsenFreeman, Oxford University Press, 2000; and Partnership in Learning: Teaching ESL to Adults, J !ia "o#inson and $ary %e!man, Oxford University Press, 1&'(.