Language Learning through Communication Practice. ELT Documents (76/3).

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Language Learning through Communication Practice. ELT Documents (76/3).
Authors: Allwright, Richard, British Council, London (England). English-Teaching Information Centre.
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 15
Publication Date: 1976
Document Type: Reports - Research
Descriptors: College Language Programs, Communication Skills, Communicative Competence (Languages), Course Descriptions, English (Second Language), Experiential Learning, Foreign Students, Higher Education, Information Seeking, Language Instruction, Language Skills, Learning Activities, Linguistic Competence, Orientation, Second Language Learning, Teaching Methods, Verbal Communication
Abstract: Communication has been accepted as an essential result of language teaching, but has been neglected as an essential component of the language teaching process. This paper suggests that teaching comprehensively for communicative competence will cater to a large extent to developing linguistic competence, whereas teaching for linguistic competence will tend to cater very little to developing communicative skills. Reorienting language teaching towards a major focus on communicative skills involves three basic elements: (1) samples of the target language; (2) guidance concerning the nature of the target language; and (3) management or directed learning activities. These elements can all be brought together in communication practice. A course at the Essex Language Centre is cited as one model of an ESL course stressing communication. This course combined English and new student orientation, and stressed having the student retrieve information on his own rather than having information given to him. (AM)
Journal Code: RIEAUG1977
Entry Date: 1977
Accession Number: ED136605
Database: ERIC
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