Task-based Language Teaching

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Demonstrate an ability to critically analyse fundamental principles in TBLT.
• Apply TBLT theories to the design and implementation of TBLT activities in classrooms across various educational settings.
• Critically reflect on and improve professional practices with knowledge about TBLT theories and approaches.
• Design and conduct empirical studies that investigate TBLT-related topics and produce project reports to professional disciplinary standards.
• Develop the skills to assess language performance using a wide range of assessment methods within the TBLT framework.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Develop effective communication skills to convey ideas, present tasks, and provide feedback clearly and persuasively.
• Foster abilities to recognise the value of diverse perspectives.
• Enhance critical thinking and problem-solving abilities by evaluating tasks, adapting materials, and making informed decisions in language teaching and research.

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Identify various types of pedagogical tasks used in TBLT.
• Be familiar with current research trends and open questions in TBLT.
• Understand principles and methods of language assessment within the TBLT framework.
• Demonstrate comprehensive understandings of theoretical underpinnings of and key concepts in TBLT.
• Recognise strengths and potential challenges and limitations of implementing TBLT in different learning contexts.
• Explain the relationship between TBLT and L2 learning and development.

This module will cover a wide range of topics in the field of TBLT, typically including theoretical foundations of TBLT, need analysis and task design, task characteristics, the role of learners and teachers in TBLT, task performance and task-based assessment, and tasks in technology-enhanced language teaching.

Teaching and learning methods

The module will be delivered through both lectures and seminars. Most sessions will include a combination of presentations by the tutor, problem solving activities completed by students individually or in small groups, and whole-class discussion of the activities. There will also be tutorial sessions to support assignment planning.

Teaching methods include:

• Tutor-led lectures
• Seminars
• Virtual learning environment (Blackboard site)
• Tutorials to support assignment planning

Learning activities include:

• Reading of required and optional texts
• Preparing in-seminar presentations and discussion
• Giving individual/group presentations and providing peer feedback
• Participating in group discussion on selected topics
• Individual coursework writing (assessed)

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Thomas, M. & Reinders, H. (2012). Task-based language learning and teaching with technology. Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

Robinson, P. (2011). Second language task complexity: Researching the cognition hypothesis of language learning and performance. Amsterdam; Philadelphia: John Benjamins.

Wen, Z. & Ahmadian, M. J. (2019). Researching L2 task performance and pedagogy: In honour of Peter Skehan. Amsterdam; Philadelphia: John Benjamins.

Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019). Task-based language teaching: Theory and practice. Cambridge University Press.

Long, M. (2014). Second language acquisition and task-based language teaching. Newark: John Wiley & Sons.

Ahmadian, M. J. & Long, M. (2021). The Cambridge handbook of task-based language teaching. Cambridge University Press.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External