What is task-based language teaching? Mention its theoretical rationale, syllabus, assessment and problems with assessment.
Ans. Task-based Language
Teaching is a process of teaching where students are engaged in thinking and
doing a task designed and regulated by the teacher. In the process, students
complete a focused task by using the target language. The end product should be
something original and accomplishing. For example, a group of students can go
to the American Centre to know about their programs and activities. After
coming back from the Centre, they report to the class. This is a task-based
language teaching approach which provides students with opportunity to complete
a task by using and developing the target language skills. However, this
approach does not focus on the language use; rather, it focuses on completing
the task. Using and developing the language skills would be the logical
consequence of the completion of the task.
Rationale: The rationale of using the task-based language
teaching is to engage learners into meaningful and authentic tasks. The purpose
is to put students in situations where they develop strategies to complete a
designed task and become independent learners.
Syllabus: The syllabus of TBLT depends on the context and level
of students. Teachers need to design a TBLT syllabus by doing a need's
assessment and diagnostic tasks. After doing this, they can design a
task-focused syllabus by incorporating tasks that may range from easy to
difficult tasks. For example, teachers can design a TB syllabus for
intermediate-level students by incorporating the following tasks:
i)
simulated task of ordering a tea and shingara
ii) buying a rail ticket
iii) learning about the programs of various
Embassies or High Commissions
iv) completing a chart of what students did
yesterday
v) writing about three
hobbies and sharing them with the class. vi) identifying three problems of
communicating with native English speakers and brainstorming their solutions.
Assessment: Assessment of TBLT is based on the outcome of the
task.
Problems
with assessment: Students may not
develop accuracy in the target language as they are not graded on the
appropriate use of the language.
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