On Communicative Language Teaching

School of Culture and Communication， Shaanxi University of Science & Technology/Wang Ya-rong

School of Foreign Languages， Xianyang Normal University/Ma Ya-li

【Abstract】In traditional language classroom， learners are taught mainly about language and its rules.They learn facts about language， rather than how to use it communicatively and how to cooperate with others.To help learners put language into active use， its recognized communicative language teaching is needed in language learning and teaching.

【Key Words】teachers role； learners role； the role of material

With the development of modern society， English plays an important role in our life.But as English teachers， what sort of teaching method should we take to teach English effectively？ In fact， it has great importance of the application of communicative language teaching.

The communicative language teaching is not a single or set teaching pattern， the core of it is to use language to learn and learn to use language.So the task of foreign language teaching cant be limited to language knowledge.Teachers， learners and instructional materials take a vital part in communicative language teaching.

Teachers Roles

Its known that the teacher is a helper to facilitate the communication process among learners and between learners and the learning materials.Also the teacher is as an independent participant within the learning-teaching group.[1]The teacher is as an organizer and a guide in class.He is also a researcher and learner.

If language teaching is to help learners develop skills for expressing different communicative meanings， then these ought to be reflected in classroom activities.So as an organizer， the teacher must be able to organize the whole class very well and get learners learn English with communicative purpose.Whats more， the teacher also should make the class in an orderly way and provide learners with some aids in English learning.

As an organizer， the teacher can organize students to have some discussion.Small group discussion is an important mode of organization in many classrooms.By group discussion learners will produce a greater quantity and variety of language and learners will become skilled at cooperating with others.Then the performance during the demonstration can absolutely improve learners willingness to express their ideas and communicate with others.

Meanwhile， as a guide， the teacher should try to guide learners to concentrate on what they are saying， not how they say it in class.Also the teacher should try to make learners involve in using different forms of language， not just one specific language form in learning activities.In a learner-centered system， there are few learners who have the ability to choose what to learn， how to learn and when to learn.So the guidance from the teacher is necessary.

Moreover， teacher should not correct or assess their performance at once.And the teacher should not become a passive observer， he can offer advice if necessary at times.

Learners Roles

The teacher should encourage learners and learners themselves should try to find and make use of their opportunities， and find strategies for practice in using language inside and outside the classroom.

A study shows there is a significant relationship between strategy and language learning success.In particular， the active use of the target language， with focusing on practice was the most important factor in the development of proficiency in second language.[2]Generally， learners should try to develop some communicative skills and strategies.First，learners should be enthusiastic.We know interest is the best teacher.So learners must develop interests and enthusiasm to achieve the goal or learning will be dull.Finally， study will become a burden， even a nightmare.Second， learners should be determined.Determination， resolution and perseverance as well can guide learners to go forward much quickly.

Third， learners should be diligent.Most successful celebrities succeeded after their hard work.“No pains， no gains.” So speak less and work hard.

Also， learners should be cooperative.Cooperation is important in learning language.It is useful to develop positive relationships among learners.Also teachers and learners should be cooperative in class activities， which will benefit teaching and learning.

The Role of Instructional Material

Communicative Language Teaching views materials as a way of influencing the quality of classroom interaction and language use.So teachers must choose suitable learning materials to match the needs of learners.Courses designing should be guided by communicative tasks.Maybe there are some disadvantages， but Communicative Language Teaching is desirable because its good for language acquisition.

References：

[1]Richards， Jack C.&Theodore S.Rodgers.Approaches and Method in Language Teaching[M].Beijing： Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press， 2000：69.

[2]Nunan David.Second Language Teaching and Learning[M].Beijing： Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press， 2001：60.