Introduction to Language Functions
Is it possible to teach English without using a textbook? Yes, it is. As a matter of fact, you can create lessons from scratch. All you need to do is to figure out your student’s needs and focus on language functions.
Language functions?
A “language function,” or simply “function,” is the purpose why you’re communicating or talking to someone. For instance, if you’re lost somewhere and want to get back to the right path, you talk to a person to “ask directions.” If you’re interested in knowing more about your new girlfriend’s interests, you “ask her likes and dislikes.” Asking directions and asking for likes and dislikes are examples of language functions.
Sometimes, language functions are connected to “survival.” Say, if an Indonesian who wants to live in the United States hires your teaching services, you can equip him with the English skills he needs to “survive” in this English-speaking country. For instance, you’ll have to teach him what to say if he wants to get his hair cut, or if he wants to order a hamburger at a diner.
Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)
CLT is one of the approaches teachers employ when teaching a second or foreign language, alongside other methods such as Audio-Lingual Method (ALM), Direct Method, and Total Physical Response.
According to reputable resources, CLT is by far the most effective of the approaches, and the reason being is that it relies on language functions and focuses on “communicative competence.” Meaning, in a CLT-based classroom, the lessons are devised in such a way that it touches on all possible areas -- from grammar and pronunciation up to knowing how to correctly respond to language.
That said, CLT’s main concern is to accomplish a goal or a language function. It does not focus on transforming a non-native speaker to sound like a native speaker.
How to Teach English Without a Textbook | A Lesson Plan
The CLT classroom is not about studying textbooks, solely manipulating grammar patterns, and memorizing drills. It’s more interactive, and the teacher prepares her students for real-life situations. That’s why some of the activities included in a CLT lesson plan include role-playing and pair work.
That said, it’s possible to teach English without using a textbook. Just focus on language functions, and you can create your own lessons. Here is a lesson plan to demonstrate this.
TOPIC: How to Write Postcards
Description of Class Multi-level, intermediate to advanced students; 30 minutes
Objectives
To teach how to write / make a postcard
To practice verb conjugation
Procedure
1. Greet students. Build rapport. (2 minutes)
2. Ask students if they love traveling. Ask more questions. (2 minutes)
3. Show students a picture of a postcard. Ask them if they know what it is. (2 minutes)
4. Give a brief explanation of what a postcard is -- the content, the language used, the parts of a postcard. Also introduce verb tenses. (5 minutes)
5. Ask students to write a postcard. (10 minutes)
6. Let students read what they have written. (5 minutes)
7. Give corrections.
8. Recap and assign homework.
9. Say goodbye.
NOTE:
Send the postcard to the students at least a day before the class.
Learn more about proper and effective lesson planning here >> The Lesson Planning Handbook: Essential Strategies That Inspire Student Thinking and Learning.
