Педагогические науки/ 5. Современные
методы преподавания
Svetlana
Avagyan
NTUU “Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”
The Importance of Using Communicative Method in Teaching Foreign
Languages to Students of Technical Specialties
There
are constant debates on what kind of method of learning a foreign language is
better in the world of foreign language teaching methodology. Those who
consider traditional method is better approve that it is more preferable. As it
involves all four language skills like speaking, listening comprehension,
reading and writing. They confirm that it widens vocabulary skills and improves
pronunciation. Those who consider communicative method mention drawbacks of
traditional methods. First of all there is no time or rather quite short time
for speaking practice during in-depth study, and then teachers as a matter of
course are not native speakers. Therefore, if the aim of a person is to be able
to communicate, then communicative approach suits him more.
The
actuality of the research lies in the differentiation of the traditional and
communicative approach. This issue is relevant since modern world of foreign
language teaching and learning methods and their number are constantly growing.
Many
famous scientists and teachers study the different methods of teaching foreign
languages. The purpose of this paper is to review and attempt to classify
different approaches of teaching foreign languages, their principles definition
and effective application methods.
Nowadays
video materials, multimedia and role playing are used in many universities. It
is considered that learning languages can be effective if students enjoy the
process of learning not only motivate them by the necessity of it. Now language
teaching became more applied whereas in earliest time it was more theoretical.
The role of teacher has been changed as well. The teacher-dictator is unable to
provide students the freedom of choice, which is essential in the process of
learning foreign languages. Instead of those teachers teacher-mediators,
teacher-observers and teacher-leaders came. Although the role of teachers in
this case is not the principal, but their impact on the audience is essential.
It is the teacher who organizes the group interaction, encourages students to
communicate together with the maximum effect, interest and benefit. In the
classroom students are no longer restricted in the choice of language means and
speech behavior. Teachers also have opportunity to choose any teaching
methodology and techniques like role playing, trainings and exercises. Modern
methods of learning foreign languages provide freedom in choice. If students
are interested in football, films or art, they are free to choose these topics.
Earlier
classical or fundamental method was given priority. Tasks used in this method
are quite monotonous like text reading and translation, exercises related the
text. Studying topics this way students may realize only informative function.
In the base of classical approach lies language comprehension as real and full
means of communication, so all language components like spoken and written
language, listening and others should be developed regularly. Such
comprehensive approach is aimed at developing students’ ability to understand
and create a speech, compare two language structures and learn grammar rules.
Teachers, who use innovative teaching methods of foreign languages, should help
students to show their personality, to develop thoughts independence.
Innovative foreign language teaching methods also provide creative approach,
like poetry, proverbs, films and sport events. One of interesting tasks is to
listen to an English song then write down lyrics and translate into their
native language. Students never get bored with such tasks, especially when
there are lots of tasks and they are changing rapidly. There are lots of means
of forming students’ communicative competence. Communicative competence is the
principal purpose of foreign language learning, the rest is educational,
pedagogic, and developing is realized in the process of fulfilling this main
goal. Communicative approach involves communicative skills formation and
ability to cross-cultural interaction. Communicative method is quite popular
and it is directed to a practical communication. Any language training involves
reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension. It is speaking and
listening comprehension that communicative method is directed to. Communicative
methodology is primarily intended to relieve the pressure and fear of
communication. Students knowing standard grammatical structures and vocabulary
of 600-1000 words can easily find a common language in a foreign country.
However, there are also certain weaknesses: quite often students’ vocabulary is
limited enough which leads to repetitive use of language and phrases. The
grammatical mistakes can be as well. To avoid all these disadvantages students
should work regularly and have desire to improve their language. Teachers
should provide students with knowledge and skills of planning, organizing their
activity, working with literature, systemizing the information, analyzing
materials and etc. These tasks accomplishment is connected with the use of
active learning ways in the process of studying. A special place among active
teaching methods take didactic games: role plays, imitation, business plays,
etc. Role plays is widely used in modern methods of teaching foreign languages.
It mostly depends not only on teachers’ imagination but students’ as well.
Different situations can be played like old friends meeting, shop assistants
and customers, two companies’ partners meeting, etc. Role playing helps
students to think in the foreign language they study. With the help of role
plays students stop being ashamed of their mistakes.
Thus,
coming to a conclusion, would be good to underline that the use of
communicative methods in teaching foreign languages to technical specialty
students has its advantages over traditional methods thanks to active way of
teaching, one of which is a role-play. Students who are taught with this method
can use their knowledge creatively, learn foreign languages quickly and
effectively and get language practice.
Reference:
1. Мельник И.М. Топоров А.О. (1992).
Использование игровых методов в психологической практике. Харьков: ХГУ Учебное
пособие. 6с.
2. Стронин М.Ф. (1984). Обучающие игры на уроке
английского языка [Текст]. Москва:
Просвещение. 370 с.