English as second language to upper-intermediate and advanced students

Abstract

The universal importance of the communicative approach to language teaching is attuned to rendering an appropriate method given students backgrounds and purposes. Thus, the goal of this approach is to give a step forward in serving the learners real communicative needs, in what concerns grammatical, sociolinguistic and strategic competences (Canale and Swain, 1980). Fulfilling the functions in the target language is only relevant when language needs meet learning needs. In other words, a students proficiency corresponds (though not entirely) to the practice of meaningful communication. The relevant emphasis, thus, is on the integration of all four skills by using authentic materials and by giving the learner the role of decision-making.