The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) versus the traditional English teaching method from the perspectives of school teachers in Saudi Arabia. Participants were recruited from a well-known community of teachers on Telegram, and questionnaires were distributed online. Quantitative data analysis was done using SPSS 28, and qualitative data analysis was done using thematic analysis. Only 66% of the teachers were aware of CLT and used it regularly. Thirty-two percent preferred to use CLT whereas over 70% believed in its effectiveness as a teaching method. Some participants also stated that a mix of CLT and traditional methods should be used as most students with low initial proficiency in English may not benefit from CLT activities. In conclusion, although teachers believe in the usefulness of CLT, they require more support and guidance in implementing CLT activities.
Keywords: Communicative Language Teaching, English as a foreign language, English language teaching, Saudi Arabia, teacher beliefs, traditional teaching methods
