Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)

Although Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) has been widely advocated by a considerable number of applied linguists and English language teachers, its implementation in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts has encountered a number of difficulties.  Reviewing the literature suggests that one of the reasons for unsuccessful implementation of CLT may be neglect of learners' beliefs in the process of learning. Using a Likert-type scale, the current study was undertaken to explore 242 Iranian EFL learners' beliefs towards six core tenets of the CLT approach: namely, the importance of grammar; the use of group work and pair work; the role and contribution of the learners; the role of the teachers in the classroom; the quality and quantity of error correction and assessment; and the role of the learners' native language in EFL classes. Analysis of the data revealed that although in some cases learners had viewpoints that opposed CLT principles, a considerable percentage of the respondents appreciated and had a high perception of CLT principles, indicating a welcoming atmosphere toward the implementation of CLT in Iran.

The introduction of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) to teach English at the secondary levels of education in Bangladesh is a relatively recent phenomenon. English Language Teaching Improvement Project (ELTIP) jointly funded by the Government of Bangladesh and DFID of the UK Government developed the English textbook for classes nine and ten. The CLT approach is considered to improve the language abilities especially ‘communicative competence’ of the learners. But some researchers pointed out that CLT approach is not working well in Bangladesh. Proper implementation of CLT is now a challenge for the policy makers of the country. The present study aims at exploring the challenges in implementing CLT at the secondary level of Bangladesh and the country’s demand for such abilities in school and the workforce. Based on both primary and secondary sources of data and information, the study comprises of empirical survey (through questionnaires), classroom observation scheme, textbook evaluation, and so on. Classroom observation and interview of the secondary students and English teachers proved that communicative activities such as group work, pair work, individual activities, role play, and simulation do not happen in the classes due to the negative attitude of both the teachers and students towards CLT. As a result, implementation of CLT is facing challenges all over the country especially in the non-government schools of rural areas. In most of the cases, the lack of proper knowledge of CLT and motivation of both teachers and students are the cause of failure of CLT approach and a threat to the advancement of English Language Teaching (ELT) in Bangladesh.

This research sought to assess the integrated impact of CLT (Communicative Language Teaching) and PLT (Pragmatic Language Teaching) on language competency, pragmatic awareness, and cultural competence. The study used a mixed-methods methodology, integrating both pre- and post-tests, questionnaires, interviews, and classroom observations, in addition to technological tools to enhance learning experiences in 150 advanced EFL students from five Iranian universities. The results obtained from repeated measures ANOVA and t-tests demonstrated that the integrated use of CLT and PLT approach leads to a considerable enhancement in language proficiency, pragmatic awareness, and cultural competence, when compared to the utilization of either method individually. Qualitative findings demonstrated a notable rise in student self-assurance, enhanced comprehension of different cultures, and heightened levels of involvement. The results highlight the efficacy of combining Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) and Pragmatic Language Teaching (PLT) through the use of technology to improve global language training. The study's findings emphasize the necessity of providing instructor training in both strategies, developing a curriculum that effectively combines communicative and pragmatic features, and doing additional research to understand the long-term effects of integrated language teaching approaches. The research enhances our understanding of how the integration of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) and Pragmatic Language Teaching (PLT) might optimize language learning consequences and better equip students for real-life communication.