
Vol. 13/ Núm. 1 2026 pág. 1849
https://doi.org/10.69639/arandu.v13i1.2016
The Use of Communicative Methodology for the Development
of Speaking Skills in A1 Level Learners
El uso de la metodologÃa comunicativa para el desarrollo de las destrezas orales en
estudiantes de nivel A1
Jovanna Denisse Muñoz Briones
jdmunozb_a@ube.edu.ec
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8623-1052
Universidad Bolivariana del Ecuador
Ecuador – Duran
Bianka Madelyne Macanchà Araujo
bmmacanchia@ube.edu.ec
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2321-5904
Universidad Bolivariana del Ecuador
Ecuador – Duran
Johnny Segundo Campoverde López
jscampoverdel@ube.edu.ec
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0108-4755
Universidad Bolivariana del Ecuador
Ecuador – Duran
Josué Reinaldo Bonilla Tenesaca
jrbonillat@ube.edu.ec
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6748-2345
Universidad Bolivariana del Ecuador
Ecuador – Duran
ArtÃculo recibido: 10 enero 2026 -Aceptado para publicación: 20 febrero 2026
Conflictos de intereses: Ninguno que declarar.
ABSTRACT
Second language learning processes have changed considerably over the years, and CLT is partly
a response to these changes. Previous approaches to language learning focused primarily on
mastering grammatical competence. This approach integrates communicative tasks such as:
dialogues, expositions, interviews, and role-plays, where students have to interact with each other
with these activities inside and outside the classroom. This study focuses on exploring the use of
communicative methodology for developing speaking skills in A1-level English learners. The
purpose of this study is to use the communicative approach to language teaching to improve oral
expression skills in 10-year-old students at a private educational institution. This research also
aims to analyze how communicative methodologies foster fluency, motivation, and confidence in
students. The study seeks to demonstrate that language learning is strengthened through authentic

Vol. 13/ Núm. 1 2026 pág. 1850
communication, in which students use English to express real ideas, needs, and opinions, moving
away from the rote memorization of vocabulary or isolated grammatical structures.
Keywords: communicative methodology, speaking skills, learning process, motivation,
strategies
RESUMEN
Los procesos de aprendizaje del idioma inglés han cambiado considerablemente a lo largo de los
años, y CLT es en parte, una respuesta a estos cambios. Los enfoques anteriores para el
aprendizaje de idiomas se centraban principalmente en el dominio de la competencia gramatical.
Este enfoque integra tareas comunicativas como diálogos, entrevistas y juegos de rol, donde los
estudiantes deben interactuar entre sà mediante estas actividades dentro y fuera del aula. Este
estudio se centra en explorar el uso de la metodologÃa comunicativa para el desarrollo de la
expresión oral en estudiantes de inglés de nivel A1. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo aplicar
el enfoque de la Enseñanza Comunicativa de Lenguas para desarrollar la expresión oral en
estudiantes de 10 años de edad pertenecientes a una institución de educación primaria privada.
Además, este estudio busca identificar cómo las metodologÃas comunicativas promueven la
fluidez, la motivación y la confianza en los estudiantes. La investigación pretende demostrar que
el idioma se aprende mejor a través de una comunicación significativa, en la cual los estudiantes
utilizan el inglés para expresar ideas, necesidades y opiniones reales, en lugar de hacerlo mediante
la repetición mecánica de palabras o estructuras gramaticales aisladas.
Palabras claves: metodologÃa comunicativa, habilidades de expresión oral, proceso de
aprendizaje, motivación, estrategias
Todo el contenido de la Revista CientÃfica Internacional Arandu UTIC publicado en este sitio está disponible bajo
licencia Creative Commons Atribution 4.0 International.

Vol. 13/ Núm. 1 2026 pág. 1851
INTRODUCTION
The communicative methodology, also known as Communicative Language Teaching
(CLT), is considered a method that focuses on learning English in a real-life situation. In recent
years, communicative methodologies have transformed the way students communicate, learn, and
improve their speaking abilities to interact with others. According to Purba and Zaki (2021) in
CLT diverse number of communicative activities allow learners to achieve oral communicative
language learning competencies, such as information gap activities, group discussions, and
debates. Those activities are essential to continually develop and expose students to |the target
language.
On the other hand, oral expression skills include fluency, accuracy, vocabulary, and
pronunciation, all of which promote authentic communication. Heras and Camino (2022)
explained that fluency is the ability to speak with few grammatical errors and express ideas
without hesitation, while accuracy refers to the correct use of grammar and pronunciation when
speaking. According to Roeder et al. (2020) fluency is the primary goal and accuracy is secondary.
By focusing on important communication instead of isolated grammar skills, this method
stimulates learners to engage in conversations, enhancing their confidence.
While the right communicative methodologies have relevant results on students’ learning,
concerns have been raised about the inefficiency of the correct methodology used in the
communicative skills learning process on students, since students don't receive the right
motivation to improve their speaking skills. Alharbi (2021) argued that most EFL learners are
unable to use English for communicative purposes. Even if the policies and curricula support the
adoption of CLT, there are many factors that could contribute to the failure of CLT adaptation in
EFL classrooms. Learners often struggle with oral expression because of a lack of confidence and
engaging in speaking activities.
Traditional teaching practices still dominate, despite the emphasis on communicative
competence in modern curricula, which limits students’ ability to participate effectively in real-
life conversations. Therefore, a reevaluation of classroom methodology is necessary. According
to Dos Santos (2020) although many teachers attempt to employ the CLT approach in their
classroom environments as much as possible, they still do not fully understand how to apply and
manage the approach effectively for their students. This is because CLT involves different
classroom activities. For this reason, the main objective of this article was to explore how the
communicative methodology used for English teachers can effectively improve the development
of speaking skills in A1 level learners, highlighting its strategies and potential advantages in early
language acquisition.

Vol. 13/ Núm. 1 2026 pág. 1852
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study adopted a quantitative research paradigm, as it aims to explore and understand
how the communicative methodology impacts A1 learners' speaking skills development.
Quantitative research allows for statistical analysis of learners' speaking skills, classroom
interaction, and instructional practices.
Techniques for Data Collection
To collect meaningful and relevant data, the following technique was used: a survey. This
tool was used to collect quantitative data from students’ answers, based on their attitudes,
confidence, and thoughts about communicative activities in English class.
Population, Sample, and Sampling Technique
The population of this study consisted of A1-level students of English as a foreign
language (EFL) who were studying at a private educational institution. These learners are 10 years
old and are in the initial stages of language acquisition according to the Common European
Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The sample consisted of 10 A1-level learners from a single intact class. The group was
chosen considering their availability and willingness to participate in the application based on the
Communicative Approach to Language Teaching (CLT). The teacher of the selected class was
also involved as both facilitator and participant in the study.
Purposive sampling was employed to ensure that the selected group meets the study’s
criteria, particularly in relation to their level (A1) and access to or openness toward
communicative methodology. This non-random sampling technique allows the researcher to
select a context in which the intervention can be meaningfully observed and evaluated.
Data Analysis
Quantitative data: It was collected through a structured survey using Likert-scale
questions. According to South et al. (2022) Likert scales are often used to produce quantitative
estimates of subjective attributes. The survey measured students’ attitudes, confidence, and
perceived improvement in speaking skills. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive
statistics to summarize students’ responses and determine whether the communicative
methodology had a significant effect on the development of speaking skills. This approach
allowed the research to provide measurable evidence of the effectiveness of communicative
activities in improving oral competence in A1-level learners.
This research aimed to examine the implementation of the communicative methodology
as a means of enhancing oral expression in A1 level students, who were distinguished by their
ability to use simple phrases and sentences to communicate basic needs. The study primarily
focused on specific communicative strategies, such as task-based learning, role-playing, pair and

Vol. 13/ Núm. 1 2026 pág. 1853
group work, and dialogues contextualized in real-life situations, which contribute to the
development of fluency, confidence, and active participation in the oral use of English.
Type of Research
This research adopted a quantitative approach to analyze the use of communicative
methodology in developing speaking skills among A1-level English learners. The study was
conducted from a practical perspective to provide measurable evidence of how specific
communicative strategies impact students’ oral performance in a real classroom context.
Ethical Considerations
This study was conducted following ethical research principles. The participants were
minors; for that reason, the data collection was obtained with the company of the students’ parents
or legal guardians. The participation of the students was voluntary, and confidentiality was
guaranteed; no personal identifying information was collected. The data were used exclusively
for academic purposes. Authorization was also obtained from the educational institution to
conduct the research.
RESULTS
This section presented a summary of survey results regarding on student’s view and
experiences related to speaking skills and Communicative methodology at the A1 level learners,
with the purpose of developing the speaking abilities. The results showed that they felt very
motivated to speak in English through activities by their teacher.
Table 1
Student Perception of Interactive Activities on Speaking Skills
Response Category Scale Rating Frequency Percentage (%)
Strongly agree 5 9 90%
Agree 4 0 0%
Neutral 3 0 0%
Disagree 2 0 0%
Strongly Disagree 1 1 10%
Total 10 100%
Source: Own elaboration based on collected data.
The survey data highlighted a significant positive perception among A1 level learners
that the use of interactive activities, such as roleplays, games, or dialogues, positively impacts
their speaking abilities.
Vol. 13/ Núm. 1 2026 pág. 1854
Figure 1
Distribution of Students Answers
Note. The graph showed the distribution of responses from 10 A1-level English learners regarding the impact of
communicative activities on their speaking skills.
Source: Own elaboration.
Table 2
Student Perception of Motivation by their teacher on Speaking Activities
Response Category Scale Rating Frequency Percentage (%)
Strongly agree 5 8 80%
Agree 4 0 0%
Neutral 3 1 10%
Disagree 2 1 10%
Strongly Disagree 1 0 0%
Total 10 100%
Source: Own elaboration based on collected data.
Figure 2
Student Perception of Motivation Results
Note. Survey results show that 80% of students agreed to feel motivated by their teacher to participate in speaking
activities.
Source: Own elaboration

Vol. 13/ Núm. 1 2026 pág. 1855
Table 3
Student Understanding the Use of English in Real Situations through Communicative Activities
Response Category Scale Rating Frequency Percentage (%)
Strongly agree 5 7 70%
Agree 4 2 20%
Neutral 3 0 0%
Disagree 2 1 10%
Strongly Disagree 1 0 0%
Total 10 100%
Source: Own elaboration based on collected data
Figure 3
Student survey results of Communicative Activities
Note. 70% of students show how the communicative activities help them to use English in real situations.
Source: Own elaboration based on collected data.
DISCUSSION
The results of this study indicated a high level of students’ approval in respect of the use
of communicative methodology to improve their speaking skills. According to Table 1, 90% of
the A1 level learners ‘’Strongly Agree’’ that communicative methodologies, such as games, role
plays, and dialogues, positively impact their ability to speak English.
According to Ramos (2023) the role-play technique, where groups of students assume
given roles and negotiate meaning to solve a particular problem or situation, resembles how
language is used in real life to communicate. This shows that for beginner-level students,
interactive activities are not only supplementary but are perceived as essential tools of linguistic
development.
The high frequency of ‘’Strongly Agree’’ responses highlight a very strong relationship
between communicative teaching methods and learner motivation. According to the previous
results, students feel more motivated when engaging in English through activities, such as
roleplays or games, rather than traditional, passive learning methods.

Vol. 13/ Núm. 1 2026 pág. 1856
CONCLUSIONS
The communicative language teaching method (CLT) has proven to be an effective
method for promoting oral proficiency at the A1 level. Its application strengthens confidence,
fluency, and motivation, emphasizing the importance of adopting learner-centered methods in the
initial stages of language teaching to optimize speaking competence. The application of CLT has
a positive effect on the development of oral skills in English language learners at the A1 level.
According to the results of this research, students consider communicative activities to be
effective tools for improving their oral expression, particularly in terms of participation and
confidence when using the target language.
The quantitative approach provided measurable evidence of the effectiveness of
communicative activities in improving oral competence in A1-level learners. In addition, a survey
was used; this technique allowed the researcher to select a context in which the intervention can
be meaningfully observed and evaluated. Based on the positive results obtained, this research
study could contribute to future teaching practices in Ecuador, shifting focus from traditional
teaching methodologies to active and real-life tasks, fostering learner autonomy, and taking
ownership of their learning process.
The findings of the survey also demonstrated that interactive tasks such as games, role
plays, and dialogues create a supportive learning environment that significantly increases
students´ motivation and encourages students to actively use English, reducing hesitation and
anxiety commonly observed at beginner levels. To sum up, the research revealed that promoting
authentic communication where students were able to relate classroom activities to meaningful
contexts supports the development of functional language and helps learners understand and apply
English in real-life situations rather than rote memorization of isolated grammatical structures.

Vol. 13/ Núm. 1 2026 pág. 1857
REFERENCES
Akhter, S. (2021). Exploring the significance of speaking skill for EFL learners. sjesr, 4(3), 1-9.
https://doi.org/10.36902/sjesr-vol4-iss3-2021(1-9)
Alharbi, A. S. (2021). Barriers in implementing communicative language teaching approach: EFL
learners’ perspective. Journal of Education and Practice, 12(9), 1-20.
https://doi.org/10.7176/JEP/12-9-01
Dos Santos, L. M. (2020). The discussion of communicative language teaching approach in
language classrooms. Journal of Education and E-learning Research, 7(2), 104-109.
https://doi.org/10.20448/journal.509.2020.72.104.109
Ghafar, Z. N., Sawalmeh, M. H., & Mohamedamin, A. A. (2023). Impact of communicative
language teaching method on students' speaking and listening skills: A review article.
International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation, 6(1), 54-60.
https://doi.org/10.32996/ijllt.2023.6.1.8
Guado, N. G. O., & Mayorga, J. I. M. (2021). Communicative language teaching approach in the
development of speaking skill. Ciencia digital, 5(4), 6-26.
https://doi.org/10.33262/cienciadigital.v5i4.1865
Haliwanda, U. (2021). The effect of using the Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)
approach in teaching speaking. Elite: English and Literature Journal, 8(2), 40-53.
https://doi.org/10.24252/10.24252/elite.v8i2a4
Heras, C. B. G., & Camino, M. A. V. (2022). Communicative language teaching to enhance
speaking skills in B1. 1 level. Polo del Conocimiento: Revista CientÃfico Profesional,
7(4), 57. DOI: 10.23857/pc.v7i4.3891
Hidalgo, C. M. C., López, J. S. C., & Tenesaca, J. R. B. (2024). Communicative language teaching
principles to improve students' talking time in A1-level students. Revista PUCE, (119),
15-55. https://doi.org/10.1111/cgf.14521
Laylo, M. (2022). COMMUNICATIVE LANGUAGE ACTIVITIES. European International
Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Management Studies, 2(11), 32-35.
https://doi.org/10.55640/eijmrms-02-11-09
Natasia, G., & Angelianawati, L. (2022). Students' Perception of Using Storytelling Technique to
Improve Speaking Performance at SMPN 143 Jakarta Utara. Journal of English Teaching,
8(2), 282-292. https://doi.org/10.33541/jet.v8i2.4063
Purba, S. M. M., & Zaki, L. B. (2021). Improving speaking skills through providing sentence
starters and incorporating images. Journal of English Language Learning, 5(2), 422695.
https://doi.org/10.31949/jell.v5i2.3482
Ramos Paguay, J. C. (2023). Communicative approach to develop effective oral communication
to students with an a1 level of English (Master's thesis, Pontificia Universidad Católica

Vol. 13/ Núm. 1 2026 pág. 1858
del Ecuador). https://repositorio.puce.edu.ec/server/api/core/bitstreams/2af750a3-f4ba-
4b59-8dec-0b1235589a70/content
Roeder, R., Araujo-Jones, D., & Miller, E. R. (2020). Grammar in communicative language
teaching: Teacher beliefs about theory versus practice. International Journal of English
Language Teaching, 8(4), 45-64. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rebecca-Roeder-
2/publication/358089256_Grammar_in_Communicative_Language_Teaching/links/61e
fa61b9a753545e2f5d92c/Grammar-in-Communicative-Language-Teaching.pdf
South, L., Saffo, D., Vitek, O., Dunne, C., & Borkin, M. A. (2022, June). Effective use of Likert
scales in visualization evaluations: A systematic review. In Computer Graphics Forum
(Vol. 41, No. 3, pp. 43-55). https://doi.org/10.1111/cgf.14521
Thao, N. T. P. (2023). The Impact of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) Approach on
Students' Speaking Ability in a Public Indonesian University: Comparison between
Introverts and Extrovert Groups. International Journal of Language Education, 7(3), 393-
413. https://doi.org/10.26858/ijole.v7i3.50617
Wathawatthana, P., Hongsa, N., Phonchad, P., & Thambunrueang, T. (2025). Breaking the
Silence: The Impact of the CLT Method on Grade 12 Students' Speaking Skills.
International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 13(2), 612-621.
http://dx.doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.13n.2p.612