It is basically a group of teaching ideas rather than a fixed set of procedures. It is not easily defined or evaluated. Contextualizing Language Instruction Kramsch warns that by teaching language as text, discourse has been decontextualized and is now taught according to structuralist principles. Proficiency and Contextualization Remember the trisections when teaching for proficiency. Accuracy is important.
Students first learn the grammar rules.
Students then practice the grammar rules in communication. Drills and exercises focus students attention of correct form without requiring them to attend to the message. Negotiation of meaning is the goal. Problem solving is a key component. Meaning and context are in the front seat.