Auburn

Task-Based Language Teaching and Learning

Auburn University
Workshop Agenda
January 31, 2018

In this workshop, we will define what a “task” is and pinpoint how tasks differ crucially from activities and exercises in an FL classroom. We will evaluate existing classroom materials and turn them into tasks for different proficiency levels and content areas across the spectrum. There will be ample time for participants in each language section to revise materials in order to create tasks for an interactive classroom.

3:00 – 3:10 Introduction and workshop overview

3:10 – 3:45 Part 1: Theory
Task-Based Language Teaching:
• History and hallmarks of TBLT
• Tasks vs. activities and exercises
• Creating tasks that promote proficiency
• Integration of language and content in upper levels (Project Based Learning)

3:45 – 4:15 Part 2a: Micro-level practice
Task creation according to class level (upper/lower level)

4:15 – 4:30 BREAK

4:30 – 5:00 Part 2b: Micro-level practice
Task creation by language section

5:00 – 5:10 Group sharing of best practices

5:10 – 5:45 Part 3: Macro-level practice
Proficiency goals across the curriculum
• ACTFL scale review
• What can students do as a result of a task-based learning curriculum? MSU Language Proficiency Flagship Initiative
• Language difficulty
Action plan: Establishing goals for the department and individual programs

5:45 – 6:00 Debriefing, recap, and workshop evaluation

Materials

References

Dörnyei, Z. (2002). The motivational basis of language learning tasks. In P. Robinson (Ed.), Individual differences and instructed language learning (pp. 137-158). Amsterdam: John Benjamins Publishing Company.

Ellis, R. (2003). Task-based language learning and teaching. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Ellis, R. (2009). Task-based language teaching: Sorting out the misunderstandings. International Journal of Applied Linguistics, 19(3): 221-246.

Gonzalez-Lloret, M., & Ortega, L. (2014). Technology-mediated TBLT. Researching technology and tasks. Amsterdam: Benjamins.

Hatip, F. (2005). Task-based language learning. Retrieved from http://www.yde.yildiz.edu.tr.

Hismanoglu, M., & Hismanoglu, S. (2011). Task-based language teaching: What every EFL teacher should do. Procedia Social and Behavioral Science, 15: 46-52.

Leeser, M. J., & White, J. P. (2015). Interactive tasks. The Routledge e-module series on Contemporary Language Teaching. New York, NY: Routledge.

Liskin-Gasparro, J. (1982). ETS oral proficiency manual. Princeton, NJ: Educational Testing Service.

Nunan, D. (2004). Task-based language teaching. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Pica, T., Kanagy, R., & Falodun, J. (2009). Choosing and using communicative tasks for second language instruction. In K. Van den Branden, M. Bygate, M., & J. Norris, (Eds.), Task-based language teaching: A reader (pp. 171-192). Amsterdam: John Benjamins Publishing.

Van den Branden, K. (2006). Introduction: Task-based language teaching in a nutshell. In K. Van den Branden (Ed.), Task-based language education: From theory to practice (pp. 1-16). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Van den Branden, K., Bygate, M., & Norris, J. (2009). Task-based language teaching: Introducing the reader. In K. Van den Branden, M. Bygate, M., & J. Norris, (Eds.), Task-based language teaching: A reader (pp. 1-13). Amsterdam: John Benjamins Publishing.

VanPatten, B. (2017). Tasks should form the backbone of the communicative curriculum. In B. VanPatten, While We’re on the Topic: BVP on Language, Acquisition, and Classroom Practice (pp. 164-198). Alexandria: ACTFL.

Additional online resources