Teaching vocabulary for A2 level learners with Communicative Approach

Communicative approach
The communicative approach is an umbrella term to describe the methodology which teaches students how to communicate efficiently . It also lays emphasis on students responsibility for their own learning. It involves cooperation within group, self-activity, dictionary work. The first concern of communicative approach is language acquisition rather than conscious learning. According to Krashen, “ acquisition is a natural process, similar to the way children develop ability in their first language. It is subconscious process when students are not aware of the fact they are acquiring language but are using the language for communication.” (Krashen, 1987, p. 10) The principles of communicative approach: (based on www.aber.ac.uk website, from 11 April, 2006) - classroom environment provide opportunities for rehearsal of real-life situations and provide opportunity for real communication. Emphasis on creative role-plays/ simulations/ surveys/ projects/ - all produce spontaneity - 9 - and improvisation - within lessons students have to cope with a variety of everyday situations - more emphasis on active modes of learning, including pair work and groupwork - it offers communicative activity to students from early stage - errors are a natural part of learning process - communicative approach is student-orientated, as it follows students' needs and interests - communicative approach is not just limited to oral skills. Reading and writing skills need to be developed to promote students' confidence in all language skills - teaching grammar is set in context, students are awarded of connection between communication and grammar - use of idiomatic/ everyday language (even slang words ) - use of topical items with which students are already familiar in their own language - arouses students’ interest and leads to more active participation - usage of authentic resources, such as newspaper and magazine articles, poems, manuals, recipes, telephone directories, videos, news…etc. To sum up, communicative approach refers to classroom activities in which students use language as a vehicle of communication, and the main purpose is to complete some kind of task. Students are required to use any and/or all the language that they know, and they gradually develop their strategies in communication. There is a place for both controlled presentation and semicontrolled language practice, which brings optimal development of students’ language skills.