TAsk Based Learning

1. TASK BASED LEARNING
By Karen Meza and Olenka Nunura
Course: Methodology in ELT
Teacher: Maria Luisa Mu
November 2012

2. CONTENT
1. What is task-based learning and teaching?
2. Theory of language
3. Theory of language learning.
4. Syllabus
Types of tasks
5. Teacher’s role
6. Learner’s role
7. Material
8. Assessment

3. What is Task Based Learning?
Task-based learning (TBL) is an
approach to second/foreign language
(L2)learning and teaching and a
teaching methodology in which
classroom tasks constitute the main
focus of instruction. (R.
Richards, Schmidt, Platt, &
Schmidt, 2003)

4. What is a ‘Classroom Task’?
A classroom task is defined as an activity that:
a) is goal-oriented,
b) is content focused,
c) has a real outcome, and
d) reflects real-life language use and language
need
(Shehadeh, 2005)

5. Theory of Language: Interactionist
Theory
Interactionists argue:
That language development is both biological and
social.
That language learning is influenced by the desire of
children to communicate with others.
That children are born with a powerful brain
that matures slowly and predisposes them to acquire
new understandings that they are motivated to share
with others"
( Bates,1993;Tomasello,1995, as cited in shaffer,et
al.,2002,p.362).

6. Theory of Language: comments
Language is
It is not linked to a single
primarily a means
model of language but
of making
rather draws on all three
meaning
models of language
theory: structural -
(Skehan 1998:98).
functional - interactional
“Conversation” is
the central focus of
language and the
keystone of Lexical units are
language central in
acquisition language use
(Richards and Rodgers 2001)

7. Theory of Learning
The main theorist associated with interactionist theory is
Lev Vygotsky. Interactionists focus on Vygotsky's model
of collaborative learning ( Shaffer,et al.,2002).
SOCIO- CULTURAL: Collaborative learning is the idea that
conversations with older people can help children both
cognitively and linguistically ( Shaffer,et.al,2002).

8. Theory of Language: comments
TBL provides both
the input and the
output processing
necessary for
language acquisition
Task activity
and
achievement
are motivational
(Richards and Rodgers 2001).

9. The Syllabus
The syllabus in TBL is organized around activities and
tasks rather than in terms of grammar or vocabulary
(R. Richards et al., 2003).

10. Types of Tasks
1. Listing
 Outcome: Completed list or draft mind map.
2. Sequencing
 Outcome: Set of information ordered and sorted
according to specified criteria
3.Comparing
 Outcome:Could be items appropriately matched or
assembled, or the identification of similarities and/or
differences.

11. Types of Tasks
4. Problem solving
 Outcome: Solutions to the problem, which can then
be evaluated.
5. Sharing personal experiences
Outcome:Largely social.
6. Creative Tasks
 Outcome: End product which can be appreciated by a
wider audience.

12. Role of teacher
Selector
and
sequencer
of tasks
Coach:
Preparing
learners
for tasks
Monitor :Consciousness-
raising

13. Learner’s role
Group Participant: Many tasks will be done in
pairs or small groups.
Monitor: Students have the opportunity to
notice how language is used in communication.
Risk-taker and innovator: Many tasks will
require learners to create and interpret
messages for which they lack full linguistic
resources and prior experience.

14. Material
What are Authentic Materials?
What is the importance of the use of
authentic material?

15. Authentic Listening /Viewing
Materials

16. Authentic Visual Materials

17. Authentic Printed Materials

18. ASSESSMENT AND Evaluation
Students should know how their work will be
assessed (rubrics, checklist, etc)
After the task is done students evaluate the process
they’ve been through as well as the outcome.

19. COMPONENTS OF THE TASK –BASED
LEARNING FRAMEWORK:
PROCEDURE
Task
Pre task
cycle
Language
Focus

20. http://www.willis-elt.co.uk/books.html Task-Based
Instruction in Foreign Language Education Practices and
Programs - Betty Lou Leaver and Jane R. Willis, Editors
http://www2.uni-
wuppertal.de/FB4/anglistik/multhaup/methods_elt/8_task_
based_learning.htm# Task Based Learning (TBL)

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