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Task-Based Approaches

Brian Tomlinson

Leeds Metropolitan University

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What is a task?

A task is something which learners of a

language do in order to achieve a non-

linguistic outcome.

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What are the main characteristics

of a task-based approach?

A task:

specifies a non-linguistic outcome sets an achievable challenge requires language use in order to achieve

the specified outcome

replicates real life use of language has both a learner goal and a teacher

target

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What theories inform task based

approaches?

Language is best acquired:

experientially holistically in context through a focus on meaning when learners are affectively and

cognitively engaged

through purposeful use of language

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What are the teachers roles in a

task based approach?

task informant stimulator responsive teacher (participant) provider of constructive feedback

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What different approaches are

there?

task-based approaches task supported approaches focused approaches unfocused approaches closed approaches open approaches problem solving approaches text-driven approaches

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Aresia PowerSoc

17 Oxjom Ten

Aresia Zetec

2011,Gikle 15

0001 0009 (08.00-17.00 Menk-Frudan)

Seaz Fug,

Den Gikle 1 si fent tu da vill fi 700 sen. Tu na grint. Yead puyt be Gikle21 ni si kutra tur lactructy.

Turs,

Lex Trank (Puyta)

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A recommended framework

1 Readiness activity

2 Task related experience

3 Personal response4 Task specification

5 Task completion 1

6 Noticing7 Task completion 2

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1 Readiness activity

A readiness activity is a mental activity designed to activate

the learners minds in relation to the text and task.

Example

Experts Warn Of Global Water Shortages Ahead Of World Water Day

Speaking out ahead of World Water Day on Tuesday, March 22nd 2011

water experts have warned of growing water shortages

worldwide.

Think of ways in which you can save water.

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2 Task related experience

This involves purposeful engagement with a

written or spoken text.

ExampleAs you read the following suggestions for saving

water decide which ones you would follow

yourself.

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10 Ways To Conserve Water

There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with

you.

1 When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing.

Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.

2 For cold drinks keep a jug of water in the refrigerator instead of

running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.

3 Water your garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are

cooler to minimize evaporation.

4 Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running

water from the tap.

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5 Collect the water you use for rinsing fruitsand vegetables, then reuse it to waterhouseplants.

6 Shorten your shower by a minute or twoand youll save up to 150 gallons permonth.

7 When running a bath, put the plug inbefore turning the water on, then adjustthe temperature as the bath fills up.

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8 Collect the water from your roof to water

your garden.

9 Turn off the water while brushing your

teeth and save 25 gallons a month.

10

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3 Personal response

An activity inviting the learners to articulatetheir personal response to the text they have

just experienced.

Example

1 Do you think this is useful advice for somebody livingin Malaysia?

2 Which of the suggestions (if any) will you follow?Why?

3 Write the tenth suggestion for saving water.

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4 Task specification

Instructions telling the learners the goalsand procedures of the core task.

Example1 In groups design a device which will save water. Itshould:

be easy and cheap to manufacturebe easy to use

be likely to appeal to an international company as acommercial prospect

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2 In your group prepare to present your water-

saving invention to an international company.

You want them to pay you for permission to

manufacture and sell your device.

3 Practise your presentation.

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5 Task completion 1

The learners do the task. The teacher

provides help when it is requested.

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6 Noticing

The learners experience an example of a

completed task and are asked to notice how

language is used to achieve the task goals.

Example

Watch a presentation of a water-saving invention to a

company. As you watch note down anything you think

helped to make the presentation effective or ineffective.

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7 Task completion 2

The learners make use of their discoveries

from the noticing stage to help them to

improve their performance of the task.

Example

1 Share your notes with your group.

2 Decide how you can improve your presentation.

3 Present your invention to the company.

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Conclusion

A task-based approach can:

motivate your learnersgive your learners confidence

prepare your learners for real life use oflanguage

Please try it.