Approach/Strategy Task-Based Learning

Authors Skehan (1998)

Date (Moment in history) Late 90’s

Derived from Communicative Language Teaching

Important Definitions TBL focuses on the use of authentic language and on asking the students to do
meaningful tasks using the target language.
Task: “a goal-oriented communicative activity with a specific outcome, where the
emphasis is on exchanging meanings not producing specific language form”
(Willis, 1996, p. 36).
Communicative competence:
Savignon (1983) defined the communicative competence as the "ability to function
in a truly communicative setting" (p. 8). She described this competence as a
dynamic and relative concept that is more interpersonal than intrapersonal, largely
defined by context, and dependent on the negotiation of meaning and cooperation
of all the participants involved (Savignon, 1983). It has 4 components: the
grammatical competence, sociolinguistic, discourse and strategic (Canale and
Swain, 1980)

View of learning and ● Students learn by interacting

teaching ● Errors are part of a natural learning
● Pair and group work is very important.
● Teacher emphasizes on learning progress, not only the learning result.
● The 4 language skills are integrated in interactive, meaningful, purposeful
tasks
● Exposure, use and motivation are basic conditions for language learning

View of language Meaning is primary.

The primary objective of using language is to express meaning. Therefore, the way to
develop language ability is not just master grammatical rules, but is foster an ability to
interact with language.

Learner’s role Learners take the leading role in their own learning. They are the center of the
class.
They are autonomous and have an active role.

Teacher’s role A facilitator, leader and organizer of discussion.

Teacher is the manager of group or pair work, the motivator to engage students in
performing a task, and the language expert who provides feedback when needed
and promotes real language use.

Features

Stages Pre-task: Introduction to topic and task instructions

Task cycle: Task, planning and report
Language focus (Analysis and Practice)

Assessment Assessment is primarily based on task outcome rather than on accuracy of

language forms.