Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) integrates practical tasks into the lesson. Let’s see how you can implement it in your classroom.
What is a task-based activity?
Task-based language learning puts your students in a situation where they need to use the target language to achieve their goal. TBL activities can use fictional scenarios to provide context for the main activity. For example, students play the role of a tour guide planning an organised trip around Paris. The tasks can also be linked to real events and needs; for example, the students can write an invitation to the school sports day.
During the task-based activity, the students do not focus on practising a specific piece of grammar or vocabulary. Rather, the purpose is to learn to communicate effectively. This creates an environment where students can focus on achieving their goal, as they would in real life. That aspect is especially important for the students who struggle with perfectionism, or avoid talking for the fear of making mistakes.
How does it look in practice?
The TBLT method divides the lesson into 3 phases:
1. The pre-task
First, you need to introduce the task. You can explain the fictional scenario, or the real-life context behind the activity. You can even show an example of a completed task, to give the students a better idea of their goal.
2. The task
The students work on the task. If they work in groups, they need to communicate with each other in the target language.
The task can include, for example:
- Researching a topic and preparing a summary of the findings.
- Solving a practical problem, such as planning an event.
- Creating a presentation or a video.
You should watch and coordinate the students’ work, but they should not interfere to correct their grammar or pronunciation. Instead, you can note the mistakes and mention them in the post-task phase.
3. The post-task
Students evaluate each other’s work through discussion. The post-task stage gives students a chance to reflect on their work and analyse it, so they can improve their skills for the future. This is also the time to make corrections of the most common errors you noticed.
Benefits
Task-based learning encourages students to develop their language skills in a more engaging way. Instead of focusing on grammar and vocabulary exercises, students use the target language naturally to communicate and achieve a their goal.
Working together in a supportive environment encourages students to communicate more confidently. They develop a deeper understanding of the language by using it in realistic situations. This also helps them find motivation by showing practical examples of tasks they can complete by using the target language. Finally, the method also promotes inclusion of students with various levels of ability and confidence. It allows students to work towards the same objective while contributing according to their skills.
TBLT is a good method to help the students with low self-confidence and those who are blocked by perfectionism. It also supports the students who lack motivation by showing them how the skills they learn can be useful. Instead of talking about hypothetical situations when the vocabulary from the lesson can be helpful, the students can experience its usefulness by participating in a practical activity.
This article has been created as part of the AIDED project, exploring how AI can help in implementing task-based learning in the classroom. If this sounds interesting, find more information on the project’s page.