What does "integrated skills" refer to in language teaching?

Integrated skills in language teaching refers to the approach of combining multiple language skills—such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking—during the learning process. This method reflects the way language is used in real-life situations, where individuals often engage in various skills simultaneously. For example, a student might listen to a conversation (listening), discuss it with classmates (speaking), read related articles (reading), and then write a summary or response (writing).

By teaching these skills together, learners are better able to connect different aspects of language use, promoting a more holistic understanding and practice of the language. This approach encourages the practical application of language in contexts that mirror authentic communication, fostering greater engagement and retention of language skills.