The Communicative Approach is so well-established, it's more or less the default methodology for second language teaching. But where did it come from? How has it evolved? Where does it work? What are its strengths and its weaknesses?
In this wide-ranging conversation, in which Scott Thornbury and Jeremy Harmer interview each other, they will address these questions from the point of view of their own experience, convictions and doubts -- and they invite you to do the same!
Scott Thornbury, associate professor at the MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages at The New School (www.newschool.edu/matesol), is a prolific author of books and articles for teachers and students and a tireless presenter at international ELT conferences. His 'Natural Grammar' and 'Teaching Unplugged', have won the British Council's "ELTon" Award for Innovation, the top award in the industry (in 2004 and 2010, respectively). Thornbury is also the series editor for the Cambridge Handbooks for Language Teachers.
Jeremy Harmer, faculty in The New School MATESOL program, is known throughout the ELT world for his books on teaching methodology, particularly the classic texts, How to Teach English and The Practice of English Language Teaching. He is the general editor of Longman's "How-To" series and host of the Teacher Development section of the ELT Forum website. He frequently leaves his home base in England to train teachers and to speak at conferences around the world.
Location: Theresa Lang Community and Student Center, Arnhold Hall
Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at 6:00 pm