Task-Based Language Learning

Abstract

According to linguists, focusing on forms does not reflect the cognitive learning process employed in naturalistic language learning situations in real world (Richards & Rogers, p.223). However, focusing on ‘language form’ has been regarded as important in order to get high English test scores in Korea. For that reason, many Korean students easily lose motivation and they find difficulty in having English conversation in real life situations, even after they receive 10 years of formal English education. Considering the EFL environment in Korea, many Korean English teachers have tried helping the students to develop communicative skills and to enhance motivation while still preparing them for the exams. Due to the reason that ‘Task-based language learning’ (TBLT) approach is known as an effective way of learning language within communicative environment, many middle and high school textbooks have tried to include aspects on task-based learning in particular and it is expressly included as an aim in the 2007 revised national curriculum (Shim, R. & Baik, M, 2000). However, it seems that public school teachers have little understanding of how the books are to be used. When they do understand, they ignore the approach in favor of direct form-focused instruction because they are unconvinced such methods will prepare students for tests (Shehadeh & Coombe, 2000). Therefore, I used TBLT for this portfolio to help the teachers to use the approach more easily by following the step-by-step sequence. The target students of this book are intermediate level, and a mix of 1 and 2 year middle school students who have been exposed to English for more than 6 years. By observing the students, many of them have low motivation in learning English. For the students, I used many authentic pictures and interesting topics to introduce the real-world tasks while providing linguistic inputs for preparing tests. The students are also encouraged to cooperate each other in order to complete the follow-up activities and the tasks in this book.