THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COMMUNICATIVE LANGUAGE TEACHING (CLT) IN IMPROVING ENGLISH SPEAKING SKILLS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) has become one of the most influential approaches in modern foreign language education due to its emphasis on meaningful communication and practical language use. In higher education, improving English speaking skills among university students is considered an essential objective because English functions as an international language of communication in academic, professional, and social contexts. This article examines the effectiveness of Communicative Language Teaching in improving English speaking skills among university students. The study analyzes the principles of CLT, its classroom implementation, and its influence on students’ fluency, accuracy, confidence, and communicative competence. Special attention is given to interactive teaching methods such as pair work, group discussions, role-playing, problem-solving activities, and real-life communication tasks. The article also discusses challenges associated with CLT implementation, including large class sizes, limited language exposure, lack of teacher preparation, and students’ anxiety in speaking activities.