Task Based Instruction

Task Based Instruction (TBI)

A.  Definition Of Task Based Instruction

Task-based language learning (TBLL), also known as task-based language teaching (TBLT) or task-based instruction (TBI) focuses on the use of authentic language and on asking students to do meaningful tasks using the target language.

Task-based language instruction has proven to be highly effective, but surprisingly underutilized. Theory can only go so far and hands-on experience can greatly speed and enhance the learning of a second language.

  

B.   Principles of  TBI

-          The class activities have a perceived purpose and a clear outcome.

-           A pre-task, in which students work through a similar task to one that they will later do individually, is a helpful way to have student see the logic involved in what they are being asked to do.

-          The teacher breaks down into smaller step the logical thinking process necessary to complete the task.

-          The teacher needs to seek ways of knowing how involved the students are in the process.

-          The teacher does not consciously simplify her language is necessary to have students comprehend the current step in the pre-task.

C.   In practice

The core of the lesson or project is, as the name suggests, the task. Teachers and curriculum developers should bear in mind that any attention to form, i.e. grammar or vocabulary, increases the likelihood that learners may be distracted from the task itself and become preoccupied with detecting and correcting errors and/or looking up language in dictionaries and grammar references.

D.  Observations

-          The teacher tells the class that they are going to complete a time table.

-          The teacher begins by having the class help her begin to fill out the class schedule.

-          The teacher first has the student label the time periods and then days.

-          The teacher asks if a particular answer is right.

-          The teacher asks, what  about Saturday ? Do we have school on Saturday ?