Why do we learnforeign languages?

?

Using the Communicative Method with College Students

Communication is the key to language

learning.

Communication is the key to language

learning.

Teaching Methods• Grammar-Translation Method:

Language is a system of rules.

• Direct Method:Language should be learned the way you learn your mother tongue.

• Audio-Lingual Method:Language is about forming habits.

• Communicative Method:Communication is the key to language learning.

Is this a communicative activity?

• An Information Gap exists.

• Students must have a choice of what they want to say and how to say it.

• Speakers must receive feedback.

• Use of Realia/Authentic Materials.

• Minimal teacher intervention.

Criteria for communicative activities:

Vocabulary Activities

• Word Jumbles

• Hangman

• Spelling Relay

• Grid Storytelling

MCMUNACNIOITO

C_MM_NIC_TI_N

Vocabulary Activities

• Tic-Tac-Toe

dangerous

swift

healthy

Hard-working

shywise

greedy

deepeasy

generous

slow

difficult

Skill 1: Speaking

• Interview

• Discussions

• Dialogues

• Debates

• Predict the Ending

• Jeopardy/Game Show

Skill 2: Listening

• Re-Order Sentences

• Which one am I describing?

Skill 2: Listening

• BINGO B I N G O

FREE

B I N G O

dog cat horse pig cow

donkey

elephantsnak

eshee

pbug

chicken

bird FREE turkey fly

tiger lion wolf fox butterfly

lizard

bear deerrabbi

tturtle

Skill 3: Reading

• True or False Questions

• Dramatizing a Text

• Dictation Relay Race

Skill 4: Writing

• Webbing

Skill 4: Writing

• “Mad Libs”

• Write your own ending

There once was a beautiful (noun) named (name) that lived in a (noun).It was very (adjective) there, and everyone liked to (verb) all day. Everyone’s favorite food was (noun)…etc.

Tips for Communicative Lessons

TEACHERS MUST:

• Learn to talk less.

• Learn to adapt textbooks.

• Reorient students to the roles they and teachers should assume.

• Gradually increase meaningful interaction between students.

Technology in the Classroom

• Powerpoint Presentations-FREE presentations at: www.pppst.com

Technology in the Classroom• Movies

-Download from the Internet (ask your kids!)-VLC Player: www.videolan.org-Subtitles: www.opensubtitles.org

Technology in the Classroom

• Youtube videos-Presentations, Karaoke, etc.-Download youtube videos:www.saveyoutube.com

Technology in the Classroom

• Powerpoint Presentations-FREE presentations at: www.pppst.com

• Movies-VLC Player: www.videolan.org-Subtitles: www.opensubtitles.org

• Youtube videos-Presentations, Karaoke, etc.-Download youtube videos:www.saveyoutube.com

Useful ESL Websites

•www.onestopenglish.com

•www.eslcafe.com

•www.bogglesworld.com

English Practice Websites

•www.elllo.org (focus on listening)

•www.Lang-8.com (focus on writing)

•www.Livemocha.com(lessons and pen-pals)

Happy Teaching!