Community Language Learning
(CLL) Method
This document explores the Community Language Learning (CLL) method created by Charles A. Curran in 1970. CLL
focuses on creating a supportive and friendly environment for language learners, emphasizing their feelings and
fostering a sense of community. The method's principal characteristics and a sample syllabus for a conversation
session using Wh-questions are discussed.
LS by Letskooei Slavin
Community Language Learning: Characteristics
and Sample Syllabus
Principal Characteristics of CLL
1 Teacher-Student-Centered Approach 2 Cooperative Spirit
CLL is neither teacher-centered nor student- There is more a cooperative spirit than a
centered. It's teacher-student-centered. competitive one.
3 Classroom Structure 4 Holistic Assessment
At the beginning of the class, the teacher tells the This method does not have a special evaluation
students what they are going to do and learn. method, but if it is necessary for the learners to
Because it reduces the stress. take an exam, the questions are multi-faceted, for
example, the language learner is asked to write a
paragraph instead of different questions, and each
question refers to a linguistic point.
Error Correction: When the learner makes a mistake while speaking, the teacher does not tell him directly that he or
she said it wrong, but the teacher only repeats the sentence in its correct form.
Sample Syllabus: Conversation with Wh-Questions
Session Title: Talking with Wh-Questions
Duration: 30 minutes
Session Goals:
1. Learn how to ask and Wh-questions.
2. Practice speaking in a fun and supportive way.
Session Outline
1 I. Introduction (5 minutes)
Warm-Up Activity: Quick game: "Guess Who?" Students ask Wh-questions to guess a person.
2 II. What are Wh-Questions? (5 minutes)
Explanation: Introduce the Wh-questions: who, what, where, when, why, and how with simple
examples.
3 III. Listening Activity (3 minutes)
Audio Clip: Play a short conversation that includes Wh-questions. Task: Students write down any Wh-
questions they hear.
4 IV. Group Practice (10 minutes)
Group_Role: In group, students with one of the Wh-questions write a question, and one of them
reads voluntarily. Plus, Students are given a paper and answer the question ,and they connect each
question sentence to its own answer.
5 VI. Wrap-Up and Homework (5 minutes)
Homework Assignment: Write down three Wh-questions to ask a friend for the next class.
Materials Needed:
Audio clip of a conversation
Paper and pens for notes
Evaluation Criteria:
1. Participation in activities
2. Ability to ask and Wh-questions during practice
3. Completion of homework assignment
