"We cannot really teach a language; we can only create conditions under which it will develop in the mind in its own way."
-Von Humboldt, 1836, as paraphrased in Noam Chomsky, 1965, p.51
To be honest, I really did not understand the Communicative Language approach up until I read the quote stated above. This quote also summed up the article by Stephen Bax, "The end of the CLT: a context approach to language teaching." The traditional view of language teaching is the Communicative Language approach. This view suggests that speaking is the most important skill involved in learning a language and that language is used for communication. Context is ignored. The article provides examples of teachers in various countries that believe any other approach is "backwards." In my opinion, I think they believe any other approach is "backwards" because the CLT has been the tradition since the late 1970's and what is the point of changing it now? The problem is that students are not being taught communication through context. Rather, they are being taught by methodology (CLT is seen to be about 'the way we should teach.')
The context approach, however, looks at the context; at students' attitudes, at parents' wishes, etc. Some key aspects of contexts are understanding students and their learning needs, wants, styles, and strategies. From there, the teacher can find an approach and language focus that will meet varied learners needs. As is said in the article, for a recap, "teachers will develop analytical tools for analyzing and understanding the learning context. Then, teacher will analyze the context carefully and systematically as far as possible such as, individuals personal differences, learning styles, learning strategies, etc." In conclusion, every learner is different. As teachers, we have to take context into consideration because that is the only way 'under which language will develop in the mind in its own way.'
Tina,
ReplyDeleteI liked how you used a quote that stuck out to you and helped you understand the Communicative Language approach. I agree that many people view other approaches as backward because it has been around for so long. I think this is true for a lot of things in the education world today. However, we are entering the field as I would put it in a time of change. In class we are reading about postmethod and macrostrategies to better teach our students. I think as we become teachers we will see even more changes. I also feel the context is very important, ignoring a certain context of a student in your classroom could spell disaster!
I totally agree that it is extremely important for educators to take context into consideration when teaching because doing so will maximize the amount of learning taking place in the classroom. If we approach teaching through many different methods and mediums and also account for differences in students' attitudes, living situations, etc. then the material being taught will resonate more clearly with learners.
ReplyDelete