Genuine communication between students and the
teacher is an essential part of learning a new
language. Practising the new language skills should take place as often as possible, to perfect its acquisition.

In order to prompt communication task-based learning should be used as often as possible. This will introduce natural discussion to the class.

This includes:

A good teacher will adapt the above tasks to suit the level of the language student. Although we can sometimes feel rather intimidated by learning through simple situations, this is the easiest way to practise.

A room layout that students feel comfortable with is conducive to good communication. Seating grouped in a circle arrangement is more relaxing than formal rows of desks and chairs. Posters, words and pictures on the walls all stimulate language learning, both for children and adults.

Wherever possible students should be taken out of the classroom environment to practise their language skills. Trips to the cinema, visits places of local interest, or all students cooking a meal together from the new country can be great learning opportunities.

There will always be the possibility of problems with communication as a minority of groups or individuals may be just too shy or not interested in participating. Teenagers and students from very different cultures are two groups who may find it difficult to communicate. Teenagers often find it difficult to speak out in front of their peers and have a tendency to become embarrassed very easily. Students from a different culture may not be used to speaking out in front of others and may need a lot of persuasion to do so.

It takes extra effort from the teacher to get these groups to communicate. Light-hearted tasks that force students to communicate without realising they are doing so are useful here; for example games. This group may also feel more comfortable working in pairs, rather than large groups, until their confidence builds.