When it comes to learning a foreign language, especially English, the first thing that usually comes to students’ minds is the ability to communicate.
Most learners want to study English in order to speak with others and communicate effectively. However, classes that focus solely on grammar are often insufficient for developing speaking skills. At this point, the Communicative Approach, which emphasizes topics naturally presented within meaningful content, stands out as an effective and widely used method in English language teaching.
Classroom activities are designed around real communication to support learning. For example, students ask questions to obtain personal information about one another, building social interaction and meaningful connections. In this approach, the teacher acts as a facilitator who creates the learning environment, while students’ roles at all levels (A1 – Beginner, A2 – Elementary, B1 – Pre-Intermediate, B2 – Intermediate, C1 – Upper-Intermediate, C2 – Advanced) are based on collaboration rather than individual work.
In the Communicative Approach, active participation in classroom activities and communication through collaborative work are essential. There are many English coursebooks based on this methodology. The English Language Box Training Series, specially developed for British Time and fully aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), is used in instruction. The focus of this series is not limited to structural teaching; it emphasizes vocabulary development, pronunciation, and realistic content through speaking, listening, and reading activities. This series is widely used, particularly in cities such as Istanbul, where language schools with strong technological infrastructure are concentrated.
With branches located in many districts of Istanbul, including Kadıköy, Mecidiyeköy, Beylikdüzü, Bakırköy, and Avcılar, as well as representation in cities such as Sivas, British Time English Language School uses the English Language Box Training Series as its primary course material. Since the main objective of young adult and adult learners is to achieve fluent and accurate spoken English, they tend to prefer institutions that prioritize speaking and listening skills rather than grammar-focused instruction.
British Time offers free speaking clubs that are specifically planned for each proficiency level. Held in a friendly and stress-free atmosphere, these clubs provide students with valuable opportunities to practice speaking on a wide range of topics with both instructors and fellow students.
Teachers at British Time are highly experienced and specialized in the Communicative Approach. Lessons include role-playing, games, idea sharing, gap-filling, and information-exchange activities, creating realistic, interactive, and engaging learning environments for students.
In conclusion, British Time students demonstrate a high level of motivation to develop their English communication skills. For this reason, the Communicative Approach continues to maintain its importance as an effective and preferred method among both learners and educators.
