Task--Based-Language-Teaching.doc

Task- Based Language TeachingOrigin Besides CLT, there has been another language teaching approach which has become more and more popular from late 1980s, that is, Task-based Language Teaching (TBLT). Task -based learning offers an alternative for language teachers. In a task-based lesson the teacher doesnt pre-determine what language will be studied, the lesson is based around the completion of a central task and the language studied is determined by what happens as the students complete it. The lesson follows certain stages.Task-based Language Teaching (TBLT) refers to an approach based on the use of tasks as the core unit of instruction in language.任务型教学就是以具体的任务为学习动力或动机，以完成任务的过程为学习的过程，以展示任务成果的方式（而不是以测试的分数）来体现教学的成就。 陈 琳 王 蔷 程晓堂（2002：104-105）Theoretical assumptionsl Theory of Language1. Language is a system for the expression of meaning. 2. The primary function of language is for interaction and communication. 3. The structure of language reflects its functional and communicative users. 4. The primary units of language are not merely its grammatical and structural features, but categories of functional and communicative meaning as exemplified in discourse. (Richards and Rodgers, 1986: 71) l Theory of EducationThe reconstructionist concerns for broad social needs and interests. The progressivist concerns for the personal needs and interests of the individual. Predetermined common objectives in the earlier stages and learner-controlled objectives in the later stage of a coursel Theory of Language LearningCommunication principle: Activities that involve real communication promote learning. Task principle: Activities in which language is used for carrying out meaningful tasks promote learning. Meaningfulness principle: Language that is meaningful to the learner supports the learning process. The advantages of the Task-based syllabusesFirstly, “Goals” is the first factor taken account of tasks. As we know, the general goal of tasks is to attain communicative language skills, which is a most important aspect in the nature of language learning. Lets think about this matter: what do we attain our native language for? No matter whom they are, their purpose is to get information from others, expressing their own feelings, communicating with the others in the society and so on. So one of the most important aspects of language using is communication. It is the goal that task-based syllabuses are based on. Personally this kind of syllabuses is more suitable for our needs. The second factor is “input”, which refers to the verbal and non-verbal data such as a dialogue, a reading passage, a picture or a chart etc. Apparently these materials are objective and can be used in everyday life. And this can result in a short-term achievement, leaving the learners the sense of success, which will surely enhance the learners interests and motivation. It is this feature that other syllabuses are short of, for example, Grammatical-based ones, because they are consisted of discrete structural items, demanding learners to drill these dull items one by one repeatedly. After some time, the learners will lose their interest in learning and even give up.The third one is “activities”. Task-based syllabuses involve learners participation, including series of activities, which lead to learners higher interest and motivation. So the traditional classroom settings are changed because of using the syllabuses. In the activities every learner is a player. They augment their amount of knowledge and language skills by involving in different kinds of activities. It is said that learning is living and it is also playing and growing. Children begin to know this world by touching and doing. So do language learners.The disadvantages in Task-based syllabusesThe most apparent disadvantage in Task-based syllabuses is how to combine the grammatical items with the communicative skills. As David Nunan pointed out:It now seems to be widely accepted that there is value in classroom tasks, which require learners to focus on form. It is also accepted that grammar is an essential resource in using language communicatively (1989. 13).However, Task-based syllabuses focus on the communicative language use, which will lead to ignore the grammar learning and teaching. In my opinion both of language using and language rules are important. We should consider the two factors simultaneously. How to design a syllabus containing the two items remains problematic.A second disadvantage is that Task-based syllabuses are lack of considering the factor that if it can be used widely. In China it is very different in economic and most of the areas are undeveloped. It is impossible to use the same syllabus efficiently as it is used in developed areas. To provide plenty of materials for choosing is a better way.Another aspect also should be taken into consideration, teacher-training courses. I think it is a very crucial phase in designing the syllabuses, because it is related to the efficient results. Task-based syllabuses require more skillful instructors. If an instructor lacks of the communicative language skills, how s/he can direct learners to attain these skills.ApplicationTopic: Personal InformationGeneral objectives:Students will be able to introduce themselves to other people.Students will be able to talk about family photos.Students will be able to understand and write personal resume.Students will be able to look for friends with written information.Activities and ExercisesReal communication activitiesPractice communication activities Procedures Pre-taskStep1: The teacher sets the scene for the task. Step2: The teacher helps students to acq