Opportunities to develop language skills in Czech lower-secondary English classes: separated or integrated approach?

Vol.21,No.3(2011)

Abstract
Contemporary approach to foreign language education is based on the communicative approach and the communicative competence as its goal. The question is, to what extent the goals are reflected in foreign language classes. The aim of the presented empirical study was to explore the quantity of opportunities which pupils have to develop language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) in Czech lower-secondary English classes. The research employs a video-based methodology. A research instrument – a system of categories based on the concept of language skills was developed. The research findings showed that pupils had more opportunities to use receptive skills (reading, listening) than productive skills (speaking, writing). Receptive skills were more often than productive skills used in separation. All language skills were often used in integration but there were not many opportunities for pupils to engage in more complex activities integrating three or four language skills.

Keywords:
communicative approach; communicative competence; English; language skills; mother tongue; opportunity to learn; system of categories; teaching and learning; video study
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