Challenges in the Implementation of Communicative Language Teaching in Azad Kashmir

Abstract

This study investigated challenges faced by EFL teachers in the execution of communicative language teaching (henceforth CLT) at the elementary level in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. The sample for this study consists of 30 EFL teachers from ten elementary schools in Muzaffarabad. The data was collected in two phases, starting with quantitative data collection through questionnaires, followed by qualitative data collection through interviews. The collected data was analyzed statistically through frequencies and percentages. It was found that the EFL teachers in AJK are aware of the basic principles of CLT.Although the teachers have a positive approach toward CLT, they have failed to practice it in their classes because of some challenges. The findings indicated that the factors affecting the implementation of CLT in the AJK are traditional grammar-based teaching, lack of CLT training, large class size, the diverse backgrounds of students, and a lack of support from the administration.