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Community Language Learning

Wow

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Rhiean Flynn
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15 views

Community Language Learning

Wow

Uploaded by

Rhiean Flynn
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Community Language Learning

Community Language Learning (CLL) is a humanistic language teaching


methodology that emphasizes learner-centeredness, collaboration, and the
creation of a supportive learning environment. This approach, developed in
the 1970s, aims to foster a sense of community among learners and
empower them to take ownership of their learning journey.

1. Proponent

The primary proponent of CLL is Charles A. Curran, a Jesuit priest,


professor of psychology at Loyola University Chicago, and counseling
specialist. Curran drew inspiration from humanistic psychology, particularly
the work of Carl Rogers, who emphasized the importance of empathy, trust,
and a non-threatening learning environment.

2. Description and Characteristics

CLL is characterized by its focus on building a supportive


community within the classroom. Learners are seen as "clients" and the
teacher as a "counselor" or "knower," guiding the learning process without
imposing their own agenda. Here are some key characteristics:

 Learner-centered: The curriculum emerges from the learners'


interests and needs, rather than a pre-determined syllabus.
 Collaborative: Learners work together in small groups, often sitting in
a circle, to generate language and support each other's learning.
 Inductive: Learners discover language patterns and rules through
active use and interaction, rather than explicit grammar instruction.
 Affective: The method acknowledges the emotional and psychological
aspects of language learning, creating a safe and supportive
environment where learners feel comfortable taking risks and making
mistakes.
 Focus on Communication: The primary goal is to develop
communicative competence, enabling learners to use the language
effectively in real-world situations.

3. Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:
 Increased Motivation: Learners are more engaged when they feel a
sense of ownership over their learning and have the opportunity to
explore topics that interest them.
 Reduced Anxiety: The supportive environment fostered by CLL helps
to reduce anxiety and fear of making mistakes, leading to greater
confidence in language use.
 Authentic Communication: The focus on communication in real-
world contexts promotes the development of practical language skills.
 Personalized Learning: The method allows for individual needs and
learning styles to be addressed, creating a more personalized learning
experience.

Weaknesses:

 Time-Consuming: CLL can be time-consuming, as it relies on


extended discussions and collaborative activities.
 Less Structured: The lack of a rigid syllabus can be challenging for
learners who prefer a more structured approach.
 Teacher Expertise: The method requires teachers with strong
interpersonal skills and the ability to facilitate group dynamics
effectively.
 Limited Applicability: CLL is often best suited for small groups of
learners, making it less practical for large classes or diverse language
levels.

4. Applicability in Current Times

CLL remains a valuable approach to language teaching in the current era,


especially in light of the increasing emphasis on learner-centeredness and
collaborative learning. Here are some ways CLL can be applied in
contemporary settings:

 Online Learning: CLL principles can be adapted to online learning


environments through virtual group discussions, collaborative projects,
and online forums.
 Blended Learning: CLL can be integrated into blended learning
models, providing opportunities for face-to-face interaction and
collaborative activities alongside online resources.
 Language Immersion Programs: CLL is particularly well-suited for
language immersion programs, where learners are immersed in the
target language and culture.
 Adult Education: CLL is often used in adult education settings, where
learners are motivated to learn for personal or professional reasons.
Additional Info:
 Community Language Learning (CCL) is primarily anchored to the counseling approach, drawing
heavily from the principles of humanistic psychology. This approach, as described in the search
results, views the teacher as a "counselor" and the learners as "clients" working together in a
collaborative and supportive environment.
 The method's founder, Charles Curran, was directly inspired by the work of Carl Rogers, a
prominent figure in humanistic psychology who emphasized the importance of empathy, trust,
and a non-threatening learning environment.
 While CCL draws heavily from the counseling approach, it also incorporates elements from other
language teaching methodologies, such as:
 The Natural Approach: CCL shares the focus on natural language acquisition through
communication and interaction, similar to the Natural Approach.
 Communicative Language Teaching (CLT): CCL aligns with CLT's emphasis on developing
communicative competence and using language in real-world contexts.
 Learner-Centered Approaches: CCL strongly aligns with learner-centered approaches
that prioritize student needs and interests in shaping the learning process.

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