Video summary

Jack C. Richards on Communicative Language Teaching

Main summary

Key takeaways

Educational

Main ideas and concepts (Communicative Language Teaching, CLT)

What CLT is

  • Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) is an approach to language teaching that has existed for a long time.
  • Many of Jack C. Richards’ works are based on the philosophy of CLT.
  • CLT is intended to explain the meaning and core ideas behind the approach.

How CLT differs from earlier grammar-focused methods

  • CLT developed as a reaction against grammar-focused, exclusively grammar-based teaching.
  • Earlier approaches often emphasized:
    • Accuracy
    • The sentence as the main unit of instruction and practice
  • CLT argues for a different foundation: communication, rather than isolated grammar accuracy.

Core goal of CLT

  • The goal of language learning is communicative competence.
  • Communicative competence is developed by making communication the focus of classroom instruction.

How learners build language ability

  • Learners develop language ability by using language to communicate.
  • In CLT, language is treated as a byproduct of communication—meaning it emerges from real communicative use rather than being taught only through grammar rules.

Classroom activities and how they are used

  • CLT requires activities that enable students to practice communicating.
  • Activities should be designed so practice is possible in different ways according to students’ language proficiency levels.
  • Examples of activity types include:
    • Tasks
    • Role plays
    • Information sharing activities
  • These activities should prompt students to:
    • Draw on their existing communicative resources
    • Attempt to make communication possible during classroom interaction

CLT as principles

  • CLT is described as a set of general principles.
  • It focuses on how communication should be integrated into teaching and learning.
  • Acquiring communicative competence is linked to:
    • Creating opportunities for students to practice communicating using classroom materials

Modern forms of CLT

  • CLT is still widely used today, though it has taken different forms in recent years, such as:
    • Task-based teaching
    • Text-based teaching
    • Content-based teaching (noted as something the speaker will discuss elsewhere)
  • Key takeaway: CLT principles remain important for educators to consider.

Methodology / instructional approach (as described)

  • Plan classroom learning around communication, not only grammar accuracy.
  • Create learning experiences as opportunities to practice communicating, including:
    • Tasks
    • Role plays
    • Information sharing activities
  • Match activities to students’ proficiency levels.
  • Structure activities so learners:
    • Use their available communicative resources
    • Engage in attempts to achieve communication
  • Use classroom materials and activities to support ongoing practice that builds communicative competence.

Speakers / sources featured

  • Jack C. Richards (speaker)

Original video