Competency Based Language Teaching (CBLT)
- 1. Competency Based Language Teaching (CBLT) • Primary focus: Focusing on outcomes and competencies. • Competency-Based Language Teaching (CBLT) is an approach that emphasizes the development of specific competencies in language learners. It focuses on what learners can do with the language rather than just what they know about it. • It encourages a shift from traditional teaching methods to more dynamic, learner-centered approaches that focus on real-world language use. QUESTION 1: How does the integration of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) with Competency-Based Language Teaching (CBLT) enhance language instruction? → It provides a structured framework that aligns teaching and assessment with defined competencies. • CEFR emphasizes clearly defined learning outcomes, which aligns with CBLT's focus on competencies. • Backward design is an educational planning approach that reverses the typical sequence of course development. Instead of starting with activities and content, this method begins with defining clear learning outcomes. • Needs analysis is crucial for developing course objectives. • Syllabus → The syllabus in a CBLT course is fundamentally different from traditional syllabi. It is centered around a description of learning outcomes in terms of competencies. • This approach ensures that the syllabus is not just a list of topics but a structured plan that guides learners towards specific, measurable goals. +++ • This approach not only enhances the quality of education but also makes it more accessible and affordable. By focusing on what students can do rather than how long they spend in a classroom, CBE promotes a more personalized and effective learning experience. QUESTION 2: What is the primary purpose of defining competencies in Competency-Based Education (CBE)?
- 2. → To ensure students can perform real-world tasks effectively. QUESTION 3: What is the primary advantage of criterion-based assessment procedures in Competency-Based Education (CBE) compared to traditional grading systems? → They focus on measuring performance against specific competencies. Assessment • In a student-centered learning environment, assessment is continuous and ongoing. Students are pretested to identify skills they lack and are post-tested after instruction to measure mastery of those skills. If students do not achieve the desired level of mastery, they continue to work on the objectives and are retested. • This approach emphasizes the importance of demonstrated mastery of performance objectives rather than relying solely on traditional paper-and-pencil tests. +++ In CBLT, both teachers and learners play active roles. Teacher Roles → Need analyst → Material developer and materials resource assembler → Assessor → Coach Learner Roles → Apply skills: To be able to transfer knowledge and skills to new situations. → Taking risks → Self-assessment +++ • CBLT focuses on assessing students based on their ability to demonstrate specific competencies.
- 3. • Evaluating learners based on their performance on specific learning tasks linked to defined competencies. • Skills Based Approach to language
- 4. Özet of Competency Based Language Teaching Content-Based Language Teaching (CBLT) is an educational approach that integrates language learning with content learning. It emphasizes the use of language as a tool for communication and focuses on the specific needs of learners in real-world contexts. Here are the key features and characteristics of CBLT. Key Features of CBLT 1. Focus on Successful Functioning in Society: The primary goal is to enable students to become autonomous individuals capable of coping with societal demands. 2. Life Skills Orientation: Language is taught in relation to concrete tasks rather than in isolation, focusing on the skills required for specific situations. 3. Needs Analysis: The development of CBLT courses begins with a needs analysis to determine learners' specific goals and requirements. 4. Competency-Based Framework: CBLT is structured around competencies, which are defined as the essential skills, knowledge, and behaviors required for effective performance in real-world tasks. Characteristics of Effective Language Learners in CBLT • Active Participation: Learners are encouraged to take active roles in their learning process, including self-assessment and monitoring their progress. • Willingness to Communicate: Successful learners are often willing to take risks and communicate, even in uncertain situations. Teacher and Learner Roles • Teacher's Role: Teachers act as facilitators and need analysts, guiding learners based on the specific competencies required for their contexts. • Learner's Role: Learners are active participants who must engage in critical thinking and apply their skills in real-life situations. Historical Context CBLT emerged from the broader movement of Competency-Based Education (CBE) in the 1970s, which focused on defining educational goals in terms of measurable outcomes. This approach has been refined over the years to better meet the needs of learners in various contexts.
- 5. Conclusion: • CBLT is a dynamic approach that not only focuses on language acquisition but also prepares learners to use language effectively in various contexts, making it a practical and relevant method for language teaching