communicative courses are the need of the day.

[knowledgeseeker]

Hello

It is said that communicative courses are very important. Is it true?
If yes how?

[Tdol]

If you want to use your language for communication, then it is true. however, if your aim is to pass a formal exam that lays emphasis on grammatical accuracy, then it is less true.

[Casiopea]

I agree wholeheartedly with tdol's response. Mind you, I'm not sure what 'communcative courses' means exactly. If the purpose of language is to communicate, be it in spoken and/or written form, then 4 skills are required: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. If, however, the purpose of language is to understand the wants and needs of a given speaker and how her/his culture and social norms play a part in communication, then dialogue is required; e.g., conversation courses.

At any rate, it sounds like a very interesting essay topic.

Welcome.

[Steven D]

Originally Posted by tdol

If you want to use your language for communication, then it is true. however, if your aim is to pass a formal exam that lays emphasis on grammatical accuracy, then it is less true.

I would certainly say that grammatical accuracy is important for communication in general. Communicative lessons and courses include grammatical accuracy as well.

Though it may not be the intention, it seems that the implication here is that grammatical accuracy is only an exam issue. Grammatical accuracy is important for learning and teaching ESL/EFL, generally speaking.

Once again, there are many viewpoints, many courses, and many types of lessons.

[Steven D]

Originally Posted by knowledgeseeker

Hello

It is said that communicative courses are very important. Is it true?
If yes how?

Yes, language courses should be communicative. Classes should be interactive and not always teacher-centered. Presentations are an important part of the learning and teaching process, but activities that involve the active participation of the students are necessary in order to make the ESL class a place where students can both learn and practice English. Practicing is important in the class and outside of the class. Some students are passive learners, and, therefore, might not be very active participants. A well-balanced approach is necessary.

Communicative lessons are important because one learns by doing. Explicit instruction is also necessary. The two should be combined - integrated - as best as possible. Then again, some courses have very specific agendas. Each situation and each class is different. One responds accordingly as best as one can.