ASSIGNMENT

CBLT (Competency-Based Language Teaching)

Competency-Based Language Teaching is an application of the principles of Competency-Based Education to language teaching. Its focus is on helping the learners attain specific competencies so as to equip them to use the language in real life situations. Competence means the ability to do something well. This approach emerged in the USA in the 1970s.

CBLT is designed around competencies and not around subject knowledge. Therefore the focus is on how the students can use the language and not on the knowledge about language.

Features:

·         It focuses on competencies.

·         It is task or performance oriented.

·         Its focus is what the students can do with language.

Activities:

The learning activities are systematically designed to achieve a certain competence. These are real-life situations. Accurate knowledge, thinking processes, attitudes and skills related to the tasks are important. Eg: Job application, job interview, etc.

Role of the teacher

·         To be aware of the needs of the learner.

·         To direct students regarding the tasks to be done.

·         To evaluate pupil’s performance.

Role of the learners

·         To be aware of the competencies they are going to deal with.

·         To ensure whether the competencies stressed by the teacher are useful.

·         To be able to adapt and transfer knowledge from one setting to another.

Procedure of teaching

The teacher tests the students’ proficiency in the beginning and then clarifies the competencies to be focused. Then the students are grouped on the basis of their proficiency level, learning capacity, needs, etc. Tasks and required directions are given. Teacher evaluates the outcome of learning and gives constructive feedback.

Evaluation

CBLT follows product evaluation. Students have to perform various language skills which they have learned during the course. Evaluation focuses on the performance of students in accomplishing the given tasks. Continuous evaluation is done.

Merits

·         It develops learners’ communicative competencies in English.

·         It makes continuous assessment.

·         It develops confidence in pupils to use the language.

Limitations

·         It is very difficult to develop lists of competencies for every specific situation.

·         It requires competent teachers.

·         It ignores the process of learning.