1. Task-Based Language Teaching
Rod Ellis
University of Auckland

2. Three Dimensions of Language Teaching
Goal (i.e. ‘why’ the language is being taught)
Content (i.e. ‘what’ is taught)
- Type A syllabuses
- Type B syllabuses
Methodology (i.e. ‘how’ it is taught)
- accuracy
- fluency

3. Grammar Translation Goal Content Methodology
Ability to read literature in the L2
Type A (list of grammar rules and words to be taught)
Accuracy (i.e. accurate translation of L2 into L1)

4. Audiolingualism Goal Content Methodology Ability to communicate
Type A (list of linguistic items to be taught)
Accuracy (I.e. focus on target-like use of the L2)

5. Notional/Functional Teaching
Goal
Content
Methodology
Ability to communicate
Type A (i.e. a list of notions and functions
Accuracy (i.e. focus on target-like use of the L2)

6. Task-Based Teaching Goal Content Methodology Ability to communicate
Type B (i.e. a series of message-focused tasks)
Fluency (i.e. focus on message conveyance)

7. Rationale for Using Tasks
Developing implicit knowledge – learners can only develop implicit knowledge of a second language incidentally as a result of the effort to communicate.
Automatization – learners can only gain in fluency by attempting to use the L2 in real operating conditions.

8. Defining a ‘Task’ A task is a goal directed.
A task involves a primary focus on meaning.
The participants choose the linguistic resources needed to complete the task.
A task has a clearly defined outcome.

9. Types of Task Unfocussed tasks a. Pedagogic b. Real world

10. An Example of a Pedagogic Task
Four students – each has one picture and describes it to the rest of the class.
Students from the rest of the class ask the four students questions about their pictures.
One student from the class tries to tell the story.
If necessary Steps 2 and 3 are repeated.

11. Some Typical Pedagogic Tasks
Information-gap tasks (e.g. Same or Different)
Opinion-gap tasks (e.g. Balloon debates)
Reasoning-gap tasks
Personal tasks
Role-play tasks
Note: Tasks can be dialogic or monologic; they can be performed orally or in writing.

12. A Real-World Task
Look at the message below. Listen to Mr. Pointer’s instructions on the tape. Make notes if you want to. Then write a suitable reply to Lesieur.
Dear Mr. Pointer
Please send flight number, date and time of arrival
and I will arrange for someone to meet you at the
airport.
Lesieur.

13. A Focussed Task
Can you spot the differences? B A

14. A Focussed Task
Can you spot the difference? A B

15. A Framework for Describing Tasks
Goal
Input
Conditions
Predicted outcomes:
a. Process
b. Product

16. Two Approaches to Using Tasks
Use tasks to support a Type A approach.
- task-supported teaching (Type A)
- weak form of communicative language teaching
Use tasks as the basis for teaching
- task-based teaching (Type B)
- strong form of communicative teaching

17. Designing a Task-Based Curriculum
Select task types according to general level.
Determine the themes/topics of the tasks
Grade tasks in terms of task difficulty
Specify language/skills/ text types required to perform the task.

18. The Methodology of Task-Based Teaching
Three phases in a task-based lesson:
Pre-task phase
Main task phase
Post-task phase

19. The Pre-Task Phase Some options: Allow the students time to plan.
Provide a model
Do a similar task
Pre-teach key linguistic items

20. The Main Task Phase Some options: Whole-class vs. small group work
Set a time for completing the task.
Vary the number of participants.
Introduce a surprise element.
Tell students they will have to present a report to the whole class.

21. The Post-Task Phase Some options: Students give a report.
Repeat task (e.g. students switch groups)
Consciousness-raising activities.

22. Focussing on Form
Opportunities to focus on form arise in task-based teaching:
Definition:
Focus on form … overtly draws students’ attention to linguistic elements as they arise incidentally in lessons whose overrriding focus is on meaning or communication. (Long 1991)
cf. Focus on forms

23. Three Types of Focus on Form
Reactive focus on form (error correction)
Teacher-initiated focus on form
Student-initiated focus on form

24. Reactive Focus on Form: An Example
T: What were you doing?
S: I was in pub
(2)
S: I was in pub
T: In the pub?
S: Yeh and I was drinking beer with my
friend.

25. Dual Focus Learner 1: And what did you do last weekend?
Learner 2: … I tried to find a pub where you don’t see – where you don’t see many tourists. And I find one
Teacher: Found.
Learner 2: I found one where I spoke with two English women and we spoke about life in
Canterbury or things and after I came back
Teacher: Afterwards …

26. Problems and Solutions
1. Students lack proficiency to communicate in the L2
Devise activities that develop ability to communicate gradually.
2. Students unwilling to speak English in class.
Use small group work; allow planning time; learner training
3. Students develop pidginized language system
Select tasks that demand fully grammaticalized language

27. Problems with the Educational System and Solutions
1. Emphasis on ‘knowledge’ learning
Review philosophy of education.
2. Examination system
Develop new more communicative exams
3. Large classes
Use small group work; develop tasks suited to large classes.

28. Conclusions
Task-based teaching offers the opportunity for ‘natural’ learning inside the classroom.
It emphasizes meaning over form but can also cater for learning form.
It is intrinsically motivating.
It is compatible with a learner-centred educational philosophy.
It can be used alongside a more traditional approach.