Communicative Language Teaching in Thailand : Communicative or Confused?

Authors

Keith Maurice

Publication Date

1985-01-01

Abstract

The communicative approach in language teaching (CLT) has helped to expand the horizons of our profession a great deal. In the design of curriculum and in the methodology used in the classroom, CLT ideas have broadened the possibilities of learner involvement in the learning process. The terms itself, 'Communicative,' seems to emphasize that language is used for interaction between human beings, something so easily forgotten in other approaches. At the same time, however, CLT is suffering because various professionals are defining and using its concepts from divergent perspectives and for different ends. Added to that has been the recent flood of books and materials onto the marketplace, some of which use the terms more for its popularity or profitability than for its philosophy. This may be a natural occurence in a field that is still maturing, but the trend is clear and the danger is real. At the receiving end of all of this discussion and deal-making are the language teachers who must wade through all the muddy water before reaching the high ground of understanding. For many, other concerns at work and in life take precedence over the new trends and, given the constantly shifting currents in professional circles, some teachers simply do not make the effort to search for the higher ground (Fennel, 1986).

DOI

10.58837/CHULA.PASAA.15.2.2

First Page

15

Last Page

30

Recommended Citation

Maurice, Keith (1985) "Communicative Language Teaching in Thailand : Communicative or Confused?," PASAA: Vol. 15: Iss. 2, Article 2.
DOI: 10.58837/CHULA.PASAA.15.2.2
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/pasaa/vol15/iss2/2