Task-Based Learning
How to make it effective
David Quartermain
The MPI-Bell Centre of English
• 10 ESP Trainers
• General English
• IELTS
• Teacher Training
• All adults
content
1. Introduce a common teaching method
2. Contrast this with Task-Based Learning
3. Plan a Task-Based Learning lesson
4. Discuss some advantages & disadvantages
TBL
PPP
EFL
YL
acronym
Principles of PPP
1. The Teacher presents the target language
2. The children practice the target language
3. The children produce the target language
PPP example lesson
1. The Teacher presents the target language
I have green eyes. I am sleeping.
I am wearing a tie.
He is eating
She is swimming
My dad is reading
They are dancing
2. The children practice the target language
• Error Correction
• Mime & Guess
3. The children produce the target language
4A 4B 4C 4D
3A 3B 3C 3D
2A 2B 2C 2D
1A 1B 1C 1D
3. The children produce the target language
4A 4B 4C 4D
3A 3B 3C 3D
2A 2B 2C 2D
1A 1B 1C 1D
Advantages of P.P.P.
The teacher is in control.
The language is taught step by step.
Focus on accuracy.
Disadvantages of P.P.P.
Assumes that accuracy leads to
fluency.
Over reliance on teacher.
Examples may not be relevant to
real-life.
What is Task-Based Learning ?
What is a Task ?
A task is any activity that reflects real
life and in which learners focus on
meaning.
Thus activities in which students are
given a list of words to use, or role-
plays which do not contain a problem
solving element, are not real tasks.
The Task Cycle
Pre-task activity
Task cycle
Task > Planning > Report
Language Focus and Feedback
Sample TBL Task 1
Dictogloss
1. Listen & remember
My name is David Quartermain. I am a teacher.
I live in Macau, but I travel a lot. This is my
first visit to this city. I love the weather, the
food and the people here. I look forward to
making some new friends during the workshop.
Sample TBL Task 2
Getting to know your teachers
1. Pre-Task Activity
Discuss a favourite teacher
2. Task Cycle
Interview teachers
3. Language Focus
Which vocab/structure?
1. Pre-Task Activity
Discuss a favourite teacher
• Name?
• Age?
• Where from?
• Why you liked?
• Where now?
2. Task Cycle
Interview teachers
• Plan questionnaire
• Test with you
• Interview teachers
• Report
3. Language Focus & Feedback
• Ability
can you + verb
• Like / Dislike
Do you like…?
• Factual
Are you…?
TBL Tasks in textbooks
TBL Tasks in textbooks
How is Task-Based Learning
different from PPP ?
How is Task-Based Learning
different from PPP ?
• Grammar?
Grammar is a tool for communication rather than
as a body of content to be memorized.
• Teacher’s Role?
• Error Correction?
• Student Motivation?
• Focus on meaning or accuracy?
Advantages of T.B.L.
Language is used for a genuine purpose
– real communication takes place.
Students consider language in
general, rather than concentrate on a
single form.
Students move from fluency to accuracy.
Disadvantages of T.B.L.
• noise / indiscipline
• use of Chinese
• are all pupils fully involved?
Task-Based Learning
How to make it effective
David Quartermain