Communicative instructional settings for language learning

Communicative instructional settings involve the style of instruction that emphasize on interaction, conversation, and language use rather than on learning about the language. Students’ success is measured in terms of their ability to ‘get things done’ in second language rather than on their accuracy in using grammatical features.

The characteristics of the Communicative instructional settings are:

v  Error correction

There is limited amount of error correction, and meaning is emphasized over form.

v  Language input

Input is simplified and made comprehensible by the use of contextual cues, props, gestures, rather than through structural grading.

v  Time available for learning

Learners usually have only limited time for learning. Sometimes, subject-matter courses (ex. Mathematics, Chemistry, etc.) taught through the second language can add time for language learning.

v  Ratio of native speakers to learners

Contact with proficient or native speakers of the language is limited. As with structure-based instruction, it is often only the teacher who is a proficient speaker.

v  Variety of languages & discourse type

A variety of discourse types are introduced through stories, role playing, and the use of real life materials such as newspaper.

v  Pressure to speak

There is a little pressure to perform at high levels of accuracy, and there is often a greater emphasis on comprehension than on production.

v  Access to modified input

Modified input is a defining feature of this approach to instruction. The teacher in these classes makes every effort to speak to students in a level of language they can understand.