Remember that Spanish class where you memorized verb charts but froze when a local asked for directions? Yeah, me too. That's why I became obsessed with communicative language teaching (CLT) after teaching English abroad for six years. CLT flips traditional methods upside down - instead of grammar drills, it's about actual communication. But here's the raw truth: Most guides sugarcoat CLT. They don't warn you about the chaos of group activities or how hard it is to assess progress. I'll give you the real picture, warts and all.
What Communicative Language Teaching Really Means
CLT started in the 1970s when linguists realized people could conjugate verbs perfectly but couldn't order coffee abroad. The core idea? Language = communication tools, not grammar puzzles. Unlike old-school methods:
| Traditional Approach | Communicative Language Teaching |
|---|---|
| Accuracy-focused (perfect grammar) | Fluency-focused (getting meaning across) |
| Teacher-centered lectures | Student-centered interactions |
| Artificial textbook dialogues | Real-life scenarios (arguments, emergencies, jokes) |
I learned this the hard way teaching business English in Tokyo. My students aced grammar tests but panicked during client calls. When we switched to CLT role-plays - negotiating contracts, handling complaints - their confidence exploded. One CEO even emailed me: "Finally stopped sounding like a robot."
Making Communicative Activities Actually Work
Most CLT guides just list "role-plays and debates." Big deal. Here's exactly how to run three activities that won't flop:
Information Gap Challenges
Students have partial info and must talk to complete tasks. Example: Partner A has a train schedule, Partner B has a list of appointments. They must plan a day trip together.
| Activity Type | Preparation Time | Materials Needed | Teacher Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Complaints | 10 minutes | Menu cards, fake food | Coach/problem-solver |
| Travel Planning | 15 minutes | Map printouts, budget sheets | Silent observer |
Why These Beat Textbook Drills
- Forces real negotiation: Students argue, persuade, compromise
- Teaches repair strategies: "What I mean is..." or "Could you repeat that?"
- Exposes language gaps naturally: They realize they need certain vocabulary mid-task
My disaster story? I once did a "job interview" activity without pre-teaching phrases like "I'm suited for this role because...". Students just stared awkwardly. Lesson learned: Always pre-load essential vocabulary.
Teacher and Student Roles in CLT Classrooms
In communicative language teaching, everyone's job changes dramatically:
Teacher as Facilitator (Not Lecturer)
- Sets up communication tasks
- Intervenes only when conversation collapses
- Gives feedback AFTER activities, not during
Students become active negotiators. I tell mine: "Messy communication is good. Silence is the enemy." During debates, I literally sit on the floor to signal I'm not the center.
The Unfiltered Pros and Cons
Most articles glorify CLT. Let's be honest:
Advantages
- Builds real-world confidence fast
- Teaches pragmatic skills (interrupting politely, changing topics)
- Motivates students through authentic success
Drawbacks Nobody Talks About
- Assessment headaches: How do you grade spontaneous speech? Rubrics help but aren't perfect.
- Chaos potential: Strong personalities dominate; shy students hide. Requires careful grouping.
- Grammar neglect: Some students fossilize errors. Solution: Deduct 5 minutes per class for "accuracy boosters".
I once had a student develop fluent but grammatically chaotic English through pure communicative teaching. Took months to correct "I go yesterday" habits. Balance is key.
CLT vs Other Methods: No-BS Comparison
| Method | Best For | Weaknesses | CLT Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grammar-Translation | Reading literature, exams | Zero speaking practice | Low |
| Audio-Lingual (Drills) | Memorizing structures | Unnatural conversations | Medium (as warm-up) |
| Task-Based Learning | Project-focused groups | Time-intensive prep | High (natural partner) |
Implementing CLT: Step-by-Step Blueprint
Whether you're a teacher or self-learner, here's how to start:
For Classroom Teachers
- Diagnose needs: Survey students: "Where do you need English? Cafés? Zoom calls?"
- Plan backward: Design tasks mirroring those situations (e.g., role-play a tech support call)
- Scaffold skills: Pre-teach 5 key phrases they'll NEED for the task
For Self-Learners
- Find conversation partners on apps like Tandem or HelloTalk
- Set SPECIFIC goals: "This week, learn to argue about movies"
- Record yourself to spot recurring errors
My favorite free resource? BBC Learning English "6 Minute English" dialogues. Natural speech, topical themes, transcripts.
Top CLT Challenges and Solutions
How do I handle different skill levels?
Use tiered tasks. Example: Beginners plan a simple weekend trip while advanced students debate tourism ethics.
Don't students just use their native language?
Give "communication tokens." Each student gets 3 tokens; using L1 costs one token. When tokens run out, they must mime!
How to assess fairly in communicative language teaching?
| Criteria | Beginner | Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| Task Completion | Understood basic request | Solved complex problem |
| Fluency | Used pauses but kept going | Spoke with minimal hesitation |
Essential Resources for CLT Success
Skip overpriced textbooks. Use these instead:
Teacher Toolbox
- Onestopenglish.com - Downloadable role-play cards (free trial)
- Randall's ESL Listening Lab - Authentic dialogues with quizzes
Self-Learner Kit
- ConversationStarters.com - 500+ prompts ("Argue against space exploration")
- Speechling.com - Get feedback on recordings from coaches
My CLT Wins and Fails
Biggest win: A Japanese engineer terrified of speaking. Through weekly "coffee machine small talk" simulations, he nailed his U.S. assignment. Biggest fail: A debate about AI ethics where students just read pre-written essays. Why? I hadn't taught them how to rebut spontaneously. Now I drill phrases like "That's valid, but have you considered...?" before debates.
FAQs: Your Communicative Language Teaching Questions Answered
Is CLT suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, but simplify tasks drastically. Example: Use pictures to ask for basic items ("Where is water?"). Avoid complex discussions.
How much grammar should I teach in CLT?
Teach grammar EMERGENTLY. When students keep making the same mistake mid-task, note it. Do a 5-minute mini-lesson afterward.
Can CLT work in large classes?
It's tough but possible. Use "fishbowl" technique: 4 students debate while others observe and take notes. Rotate every 10 minutes.
What's the biggest mistake teachers make with communicative language teaching?
Overcorrecting. If you interrupt to fix every error, students shut down. Save corrections for post-activity feedback.
Look, CLT isn't perfect. It takes more prep than textbook lessons, and noisy classrooms stress some teachers. But when you see a student finally crack a joke in English or negotiate a discount abroad, that's pure magic. Give it 3 months - tweak what flops, double down on what works. You'll never teach verb charts in isolation again.
Leave a Comments