An investigation into methods of developing oral fluency in foreign language teaching

Abstract

This paper is an investigation into methods of developing oral fluency in foreign language classes. A general view of language, its role and functions in the process of learning is first presented, showing how a students' previous experience with language can have an influence on the behaviour and attitudes involved when they learn a foreign language. A review of some theories of foreign language teaching follows with special emphasis on the ‘Communicative Approach’. Examples of teaching methods and activities encountered during Supervised Teaching Experience are then analysed. It is concluded that ‘communicative’ methods are well adapted to the achievement of oral fluency on condition that special attention is given to creation of an appropriate class atmosphere. © 1990 Association of Australasian Palaeontologists.