CEFR and Communicative Language Teaching
CEFR and Communicative Language Teaching
e-ISSN: 2622-5867
p-ISSN: 2685-743x
Volume 8 number 2, June 2024
Page 451-467
Eliza Trimadona
UIN Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi
elizatrimadona@[Link]
Shynta Amalia
UIN Raden Fatah Palembang
shynta_amalia_uin@[Link]
Mayang Sastra Sumardi
UIN Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi
mayangsastra@[Link]
Aryawira Pratama
UIN Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi
Aryawirapratama@[Link]
Vioni Saputri
UIN Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi
Vionisaputri@[Link]
Corresponding email: shynta_amalia_uin@[Link]
Abstract
Introduction,
The era of globalization is without a doubt the greatest challenge to social existence
in the twenty-first century. Readiness to face the globalization period, in which
451
Journal of English Education and Teaching (JEET)
e-ISSN: 2622-5867
p-ISSN: 2685-743x
Volume 8 number 2, June 2024
Page 451-467
people must live in non-negotiable competition is imperative. In this global era, the
world of education should also compete to generate outstanding students who can
survive and compete continually in the labor market. Students must equip
themselves with two basic things: knowledge and abilities. In fact, in order to
compete in today's globalized job market, numerous talents are required.
"Soft skill" is the most important skill to have. According to Rider and Klaeysen
(2014), in a summary report on findings on job recipients' perspectives on "soft skills,"
90% of companies target the fact that the main skills that their workers must possess
are "soft skills," in addition to "hard skills," which are skills directly related to one
specific type of work. "Soft skills" are intimately tied to personal characteristics.
Communication skills are among the "soft skills" that include honesty,
communication, courtesy, accountability, social skills, a positive attitude,
professionalism, adaptability, teamwork, and work ethics (Robies, 2012). Young
(2016) stated that, according to a Microsoft survey, educators ranked
communication abilities second only to problem solving skills. Thus, English, being the
most commonly spoken language on the planet, is a necessary communication tool
that must be acquired in order to face the world of work in the global society period.
Being able to speak and communicate fluently is the dream of foreign
language learners, including English learners. In fact, effective communication relies
heavily on the act of speaking (Wulandari et al, 2022). Proficiency in the English
language holds significant value in today's context of digitalization and
globalization. English is widely acknowledged as a global language and finds
application in diverse spheres of life, including Indonesia (Ananda, 2022; Kurniawan
& Radia, 2017; Shintasiwi, 2021). Acquiring this skill is regarded as essential for
individuals desiring to succeed in the global marketplace and professional field
(Afriana et al, 2022; Prasetyaningrum et al, 2023). English proficiency is essential for
both students and teachers to effectively teach and practice during the learning
process and to seek for jobs after graduation. The Internet and technological
progress have further emphasized the importance of the English language, as a
substantial portion of the content available in cyberspace is written in English.
Likewise, for educators, making students skilled in speaking is the goal of
most English teachers. This is also in line with the objectives of learning English based
on the curriculum. The four skills included in language skills; Listening, Speaking,
452
Journal of English Education and Teaching (JEET)
e-ISSN: 2622-5867
p-ISSN: 2685-743x
Volume 8 number 2, June 2024
Page 451-467
Reading, Writing, along with the linguistic aspects in it; Vocabulary, grammar,
pronunciation are expected to be integrated as well as possible so that in the end
the teaching objectives are achieved, namely, to create students who are skilled in
English both orally and in writing.
However, it cannot be denied that teaching English at school is hampered
because students' knowledge of the language is uneven. At school, students cannot
refuse to be placed in classes where their English proficiency varies. With this
tendency, teachers often find it difficult to teach English to students.
The most common problems of teaching English in Indonesia include
difficulty understanding English topics, lack of training in English teaching and
learning, limited resources and materials, low student motivation, and inadequate
English exposure outside of school (Fidinillah, 2022; Wahyuningsih et al, 2023; Fadilah
et al, 2023). Additionally, the formal instruction in secondary schools is often
ineffective in improving English proficiency. Students also perceive English as difficult,
not substantive for their future, and only a formality subject, leading to low
confidence, motivation, and lack of practice in speaking English (Nasihin &
Oktariani, 2022). These challenges highlight the need for improved teaching
methods, training for English teachers, better resources and materials, increased
student motivation, and opportunities for English exposure outside of the classroom.
Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) is considered as the most
influential approach to arrive at the second/foreign language teaching scene since
the so-called scientific method (i.e. audio-language method) in the 1960s (Spada,
2007). CLT is an effective approach to teaching English to secondary school
students. It focuses on developing students' practical and communicative skills in
English, particularly in speaking and writing. CLT encourages students to engage in
real-life interactions and meaningful communication, which helps improve their
communicative competence. Studies have shown that implementing CLT strategies,
such as collaborative learning and meaningful interaction, can enhance students'
grammar knowledge and fluency in writing (Long, 2023). CLT also helps students
become confident communicators in various real-life situations, as it emphasizes the
importance of conveying actual meaning (Losi & Nasution, 2022). Teachers who
implement CLT in teaching spoken language have been found to facilitate learners'
development of communicative competence skills through their choice of materials,
453
Journal of English Education and Teaching (JEET)
e-ISSN: 2622-5867
p-ISSN: 2685-743x
Volume 8 number 2, June 2024
Page 451-467
research stems from the commitment of policymakers at SMPN 8 Jambi City, who
recognize the importance of improving their students' foreign language
competencies. Furthermore, a considerable portion of 7th-grade students lack
foundational English skills, whereas 8th-grade students display a competency stall
similar to their previous grade. The existing difference in linguistic proficiency
complicates teaching and learning process. As a result, the researchers were
motivated to conduct the study to find out: 1) What the students’ CEFR Level were,
2) Whether or not there was significant improvement on students’ speaking
performance after being taught by implementing Communicative language
Teaching in CEFR Based English learning.
Research Methodology,
For the purpose of this investigation, a quantitative approach was utilized,
and a pre-experimental design was utilized as the research method. Specifically,
experimental research is defined as study that actively regulates and manipulates
the settings that affect occurrences in which the researchers is interested, introduces
interventions, and creates a difference (Cohen et al, 2018). For the sake of this study,
only one class functions as the class that will receive a special treatment. Both a pre-
test and a post-test were administered in order to collect data on students’ speaking
achievement before and after implementing Communicative Language Teaching
The existence of special treatment in this study ensures that the treatment is more
accurate since it can be compared to the circumstance before the treatment was
applied (Sugiyono, 2013). This is because the treatment can be compared to the
previous scenario.
All of the students that participated in this study were currently enrolled at
SMPN 8 Jambi City. Class VII, class VIII, and class IX were the three groups that made
up the participants in this study's population. There are eight classes available at
each grade level at the SMPN 8 Jambi City. Nevertheless, this study utilized a
method known as convenient sampling because the samples were taken from
individuals who were available for the investigation. This study included the
participation of thirty-two different students.
455
Journal of English Education and Teaching (JEET)
e-ISSN: 2622-5867
p-ISSN: 2685-743x
Volume 8 number 2, June 2024
Page 451-467
The conducting of the study was carried out with the speaking test as the
instrument of the study. The CEFR standard served as the foundation for the
development of the speaking test. The CEFR assessment, on the other hand, was
restricted in this study by the researchers so that it could only focus on the CEFR for
young learners known as YLE. YLE is designed for pre A1 (Starters), A1 (Movers), and
A2 (Flyers) (Cambridge Assessment English, 2021). Therefore, in order to find out the
students’ real speaking level, the three different form of YLE Speaking assessment
were designed and distributed to the students. During the test, the candidate is
evaluated by a single examiner using certain criteria. The assessment for all levels is
based on three criteria including Vocabulary, pronunciation, and interaction, each
with a six-point scale (0 to 5), specified by candidate behavior. Scale descriptors are
provided for Pre A1 Starters, A1 Movers, and A2 Flyers. The scale descriptions for
vocabulary includes range, control, extent, and cohesion. For pronunciation the
scale includes individual sounds, stress and intonation. In addition, for interaction the
scale descriptions include reception/ responding, support required, and fluency/
promptness.
During the research study, the researchers provided eight rounds of
interventions. The interventions sessions include various Communicative Language
Teaching Based activities such as role-plays, group discussion, pair work, story-telling
and picture narration, and information sharing. Emphasis is placed on fostering
vocabulary expansion, fluency, accuracy and pragmatic competence in real life
context. Throughout the intervention periods, participants' progress is closely
monitored and recorded. Feedback sessions are conducted to provide constructive
guidance and address individual learning needs.
The researches then conduct two analyses after gathering the data from
pre-test and post-test. The first analyses utilized was descriptive analyses. This analysis
was used to classify the students’ speaking level, the mean scores, and the
distribution of the scores for each of the level the students obtained. Then, in order to
find out Whether or not there was significant improvement on students’ speaking
performance after being taught by implementing Communicative language
Teaching in CEFR Based English learning the researchers computed pair sample t-test
analyses by utilizing SPSS 26. Considering that it is paired, the information that is
456
Journal of English Education and Teaching (JEET)
e-ISSN: 2622-5867
p-ISSN: 2685-743x
Volume 8 number 2, June 2024
Page 451-467
obtained from the two samples must either be of the same quantity or originate from
the same source.
457
Journal of English Education and Teaching (JEET)
e-ISSN: 2622-5867
p-ISSN: 2685-743x
Volume 8 number 2, June 2024
Page 451-467
Figure 1. The results of Descriptive Analyses -Before and after the treatment
The findings of the pretest showed that 29 out of 32 students were in the level
of A0 or pre- A1. It means 90.625% of students (M=4.8344) were categorized starter.
figure 1, the minimum score obtained during the pre-test is 0.0, which means that
students are only at level A0 (Starter). The value of 0.0 is a description of the student's
lack of ability to speak English, as evidenced by this CEFR test. Meanwhile, the
highest score obtained from the pre-test results was 12.6, with an average of 4.8. This
value is classified as A1 (movers).
The results of the posttest indicate the improvement on the students’
achievement. Firstly, there was improvement on the number of the students who
were categorized mover. Previously, there were only 3 students who could reach the
mover level scores. In the post test there were 4 students who could reach the mover
lever score. Although there were only four students who could be categorized as
mover, 11 out of 32 students indicated significant improvement in the scores
obtained (M= 5.9438). Besides, there was an increased in the students’ lowest and
highest score. Even though the level of the lowest score was categorized as starter,
but the score (0.5) was higher than that in the pretest. Then, the highest score
obtained by students was14.4, which is classified as an A1 CEFR Level Score while the
average of the acquisition of the CEFR test carried out for these 32 students was 5.9
Indeed, when the lowest scores, highest scores, and averages produced by students
when carrying out the pre-test and post-test are compared, it can be concluded
that there is a clear increase in grades, even though they are still at the same level.
458
Journal of English Education and Teaching (JEET)
e-ISSN: 2622-5867
p-ISSN: 2685-743x
Volume 8 number 2, June 2024
Page 451-467
The results of descriptive analyses also aligned with the results of statistical
analyses on paired sample t-test. Figure 2 is the result of calculations obtained from
SPSS 26. The growth value obtained from the results of student acquisition during the
initial and final tests is 0.017. Based on the comparison value determined by
Sugiyono (2017), if the significance result is less than 0.05 (0.05), then it is certain that
there is an increase between the initial and post-test scores. In fact, the value of the
SPSS 26 calculation is 0.017, which is a smaller value when compared to 0.05. It was
concluded that there was a significant improvement on the students’ speaking
achievement after being taught by using Communicative Language Teaching in
CEFR based learning.
Discussion
The study focused on the students' speaking performance. Despite the fact
that the pupils are in secondary school, their English language skills exceed
expectations. Implementing a Communicative Language Teaching strategy linked
with the CEFR-based learning evaluation was shown to have a favorable effect. The
study's findings revealed that the score improved on the final test after receiving
specific treatment through Communicative Language Teaching.
The results of the pretest and posttest analyses shed light on the
effectiveness of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) in improving students'
speaking skills within a CEFR-based learning setting. The pretest results revealed that
the majority of pupils were rated as A0 or pre-A1, indicating that they had a solid
foundation in English. This initial assessment emphasizes the necessity of particular
instructional interventions in addressing children' language weaknesses and
facilitating meaningful language acquisition.
Students' speaking abilities improved significantly after the treatment.
Notably, there was an increase in the number of children classified as A1 (Mover)
following intervention, indicating tangible progress in language proficiency. While
only a few students achieved this milestone on the pretest, the posttest results
showed a significant increase in the proportion of students obtaining A1 proficiency,
demonstrating CLT's effectiveness in promoting language development.
According to Spada (2007), the application of communicative language
learning has a significant impact. CLT is the most influential approach to learning a
459
Journal of English Education and Teaching (JEET)
e-ISSN: 2622-5867
p-ISSN: 2685-743x
Volume 8 number 2, June 2024
Page 451-467
second or foreign language. The results of the studies also in line with the study from
Aliazas & Velasco (2023) and Ghafar, et al (2023). The studies prove that CLT has
positive impact on students' communicative competence, particularly in terms of
fluency, vocabulary, grammatical accuracy, pronunciation, and comprehension.
Students who were exposed to communicative language teaching demonstrated
improvements in their speaking skills, including sub-skills like vocabulary, grammar,
and fluency (Maming et al, 2022). Additionally, the communicative approach
creates a friendly class atmosphere and fosters good relationships between students
and teachers, which further enhances the learning experience (Solissa & Wariunsora,
2022).
Besides, applying various Communicative Language Teaching based
activities brings a lot of advantages. Communicative language-based activities in
the classroom focus on the belief that language is naturally functional for
communication. These activities aim to develop communicative competence by
focusing on the conveyance and reception of meanings in real-life social
interactions. They stimulate students to be active and participative, allowing them to
acquire communicative competence regardless of grammatical rules knowledge.
The implementation of role play activity for example, brings significant
influence. The activities itself provides fun learning atmosphere where the students
involve in real practice of language as means of communication. Miqawati &
Wijayanti (2018) supported the idea. Their study proved that the training using role
play method effectively improved students' speaking skill. The assessment showed a
significant average increase in speaking ability. As a part of communicative
language teaching activities, group discussion and small group discussion also help
improve students’ achievement. Group discussions provide students with
opportunities to actively engage in the learning process and practice speaking
(Sukmawati, et al, 2023). Through discussions, students are exposed to different
perspectives and ideas, which helps expand their vocabulary knowledge (Jameel &
Ui Haq, 2023). Additionally, group discussions allow students to receive constructive
feedback from their peers and teachers, which further enhances their speaking
proficiency (Purnamasari et al, 2023). Moreover, the interactive nature of group
discussions promotes motivation and enthusiasm among students, leading to
increased participation and learning outcomes (Anwar, et al, 2023). In fact, In the
460
Journal of English Education and Teaching (JEET)
e-ISSN: 2622-5867
p-ISSN: 2685-743x
Volume 8 number 2, June 2024
Page 451-467
462
Journal of English Education and Teaching (JEET)
e-ISSN: 2622-5867
p-ISSN: 2685-743x
Volume 8 number 2, June 2024
Page 451-467
References
463
Journal of English Education and Teaching (JEET)
e-ISSN: 2622-5867
p-ISSN: 2685-743x
Volume 8 number 2, June 2024
Page 451-467
Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2018). Research Methods in Education (8th
ed.). London: Routledge. [Link]
Fadilah, R., Ayudhia, H. Y., Pratama, V. M., & Harmawan, V. (2023). Teachers’
teaching reflection: English teachers’ challenges in rural areas of Indonesia.
LET: Linguistics, Literature and English Teaching Journal, 13(1), 85-104.
Fidinillah, M. A. (2022). Google Translate Application for Simple Writing. Scope:
Journal of English Language Teaching, 7(1), 72-76.
Ghafar, Z.N., Sawalmeh, M.H., & Mohamedamin, A.A. (2023). Impcat of
Communicative Language Teaching Method on students’ speaking and
listening skills: A review article. International Journal of Linguistics, Literature,
and Translation, 6(1), 53-40.
Jameel, M., Zahid, F., & Haq, S. U. (2023). Group discussions practices in improving
English vocabulary learning among ESL learners. Global Language Review,
VIII(II), 236-246. [Link]
Morales, L. S. B., & Alvarado, M. G. H. (2023). Language teachers’ knowledge and
perceptions of the implementation of CLT in a Mexican language
centre. Revista Lengua y Cultura, 4(8), 90-98.
Nasihin, A., & Oktarini, O. (2022). Analysis Problems of Low Skill English Speaking for
Senior High School Students in Indonesia. International Journal of English
Literature and Social Sciences (IJELS), 7(6).
Kurniawan, M., & Radia, E. H. (2017, May). A Situational Analysis of English Language
Learning among Eastern Indonesian Students. In 1st Yogyakarta International
Conference on Educational Management/Administration and Pedagogy
(YICEMAP 2017) (pp. 1-6). Atlantis Press.
Long, Y. (2023). Research on oral English teaching strategies in junior high school
based on Communicative Language Teaching. The Educational Review, USA,
7(5), 620-624.
Losi, R. V., & Nasution, M. M. (2022). Students' attitudes toward Communicative
Language Teaching (CLT) in English Speaking Intensive Program. International
Journal of English and Applied Linguistics (IJEAL), 2(1), 95-102.
464
Journal of English Education and Teaching (JEET)
e-ISSN: 2622-5867
p-ISSN: 2685-743x
Volume 8 number 2, June 2024
Page 451-467
Maming, J.B., Maravilla, W.H.G., & Annalyn, C.L. (2022). Communicative Language
Teaching in selected students: Basis for pro-posed use of Task Based Learning
Approach in developing speaking skills. International Journal of
Multidisciplinay: Applied Business and Educational Research, 3(11), 285-2190.
[Link]
Miqawati, A.H., & Wijayanti, F. (2018). Communicative activities based learning untuk
meningkatkan kemampuan survival English anggota English Club Politeknik
Negeri Jember. In Seminar Nasional Hasil Penelitian dan Pengabdian
Masyarakat (pp.24-29).
Nurhayati, N., & Ganna, N. V. J. (2023). Students’ perception of Communicative
Language Teaching (CLT) approach. Jurnal Kata: Bahasa, Sastra, dan
Pembelajarannya, 11(1 Apr), 121-132.
Prasetyaningrum, D. I., Ruminar, H., Kustanti, A., & Irwandi, P. (2023). Analysis of
motivation and non-cognitive personalities in English achievement and global
competences: The case of agriculture students. English Review: Journal of
English Education, 11(1), 9-16.
Purnamasari, E., Rahmawati, S., & Akidah, I. (2023). Peningkatan keterampilan
berbicara melalui metode diskusi kelompok pada siswa kelas XI SMAN 2
Bantaeng. Journal on Education, 6(1), 2654-5497
Rahmati, R. (2021). Improving students’ reading comprehension through
Communicative Language Teaching (CLT). International Journal of English
and Applied Linguistics (IJEAL), 1(3), 298-306.
Rider, L., & Klaeysen, C. (2015). Employer perspectives on soft skills. 2014 survey
report. Washington State Human Resources Council.
Robies, M.M., (2012). Executive perception of the top 10 soft skills needed in
today’s workplace. [Link]
10.1177/1080569912460400
Rokaiya, U., & Saharuddin, N. (2022). Exploring Communicative Language Teaching
to enhance grammatical knowledge among secondary school students in
Bangladesh. Learning, 12(4S).
Siregar, R., Hasibuan, A. L., Barus, E., & Sembiring, M. (2023). Communicative
language teaching impact on students’ cognition and writing motivation in
465
Journal of English Education and Teaching (JEET)
e-ISSN: 2622-5867
p-ISSN: 2685-743x
Volume 8 number 2, June 2024
Page 451-467
466
Journal of English Education and Teaching (JEET)
e-ISSN: 2622-5867
p-ISSN: 2685-743x
Volume 8 number 2, June 2024
Page 451-467
Young, A. (2016). Microsoft survey: The top skills students need for the future
workplace. [Link] survey-top-skills-
students-need-future-workplace/
467