What is Community Language Learning?
Community Language Learning (CLL) is a student-centered teaching method that promotes language learning through interactive communication within a supportive community setting. Developed by Charles Curran in the 1960s, CLL emphasizes the use of the target language to encourage students to actively engage in the learning process. The teacher acts as a facilitator, providing feedback and helping students express themselves in the target language. CLL helps students develop communicative competence and is effective for adult learners who are motivated to use the target language in their everyday lives.
In the Teaching Methodology Exposed series, we take a look at notable language-teaching methods which have influenced us and wider education. We, as educational professionals, explain the history and rationale behind these methodologies and analyze a real class example to better weigh each method’s pros and cons as an effective teaching approach.