Use of the Language Laboratory in the Communicative Methodology

Abstract : The language laboratory has almost been forgotten lately partly due to intensive implementation of the communicative meth-odology in language teaching. This is unfortunate considering that, as a medium of instruction, the language laboratory is, like all other media, a means of reaching a goal. In this scheme, use of the language lab remains relevant. In order for the language lab to suit the commu-nicative purposes certain requirements need to be fulfilled. First, since the goal of the communicative methodology is directed to communi-cative competence, the use of the language lab should be directed for this purpose. Second, a design should be attempted where use of the language laboratory will expose students with authentic language usc.Third, instructional strategics should be in concord with the coma€‘ municative principles such as communicative gaps, pre- and post-activities, and othcrs.Finally, lessons should be built integratively. Examples are given illustrating integration of the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in lesson units.