Guidelines for Communicative Language Teaching

The Essentials of Language Teaching is a resource website for instructors in second/additional language and foreign language teaching contexts. The site provides a concise and accessible overview of the principles, practices, and teaching conventions that are recognized as most effective by language teaching professionals.

The Essentials starts with the premise that the purpose of language is transmission of information and ideas. The goal of language learning and language teaching is therefore the ability to communicate, that is, to use the language. For this reason, the site promotes a learner-centered approach that uses meaningful tasks, authentic materials, and guided discovery activities to develop communicative competence.

NOTE: As of November 2021, much of this site has been taken down for renovation. Please check back in early 2022 for updated content.

Principles

What are the fundamental principles that inform effective language teaching and language learning? This section provides information on second language acquisition theory and teaching methods. This material will help you base what you do in the classroom on a coherent, evidence-based understanding of how and why people learn second or additional languages.

Practice

How can specific language skills be taught and learned most effectively? This section provides focused information on teaching specific communication skills and aspects of language and culture.

Professional Development

What does it mean to be a language teaching professional? This section encourages you to consider the role of ongoing growth in your professional career. It also provides guidance on tools and practices that can support you as you deepen your understanding and build new skills as a teacher.