Over the last decade task-based approaches to language learning and teaching (TBLT) have become a global focus of increased levels of research. Governments around the world have turned to TBLT as a potential solution for curricula that lack authentic and meaningful engagement with language learning and are failing to motivate students as a result. This book focuses on Asia, where this shift has been particularly in evidence. TBLT has often been implemented in top-down approaches to curriculum development, which presents a huge range of challenges at the cultural as well as the pedagogic level.
Contemporary Task Based Language Teaching in Asia looks at the drivers, stakeholders and obstacles across the region. Some countries have adapted TBLT to deal with the local constraints, others have found it hard to apply and many are still in the process of investigating its implementation in their specific contexts. This collection is important to all involved in language development, from curriculum reform to materials development. It assists from programme evaluation to the setting of assessment standards. The chapters cover all aspects of language education across Asia, from primary to tertiary, private and public education, as well as innovations at local, regional and national levels.
Reviews
The contributions in this book provide us with a window into the diverse ways in which TBLT is conceptualised and practised across the Asia region. It speaks to important debates about localised forms of language teaching, compelling us to revise further our understandings of TBLT. -- Cynthia J. White, Professor of Applied Linguistics, Massey University, New Zealand
More info
First book-length reference collection of research examining the unique opportunities and challenges presented by task-based language learning and teaching in Asia.
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ix | |
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xii | |
Foreword |
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xvi | |
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Notes on Contributors |
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xix | |
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1 | (6) |
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PART ONE The South-East Asian context |
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7 | (56) |
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9 | (3) |
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2 Task-Based Language Teaching in the Asian Context: Where Are We Now and Where Are We Going? |
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12 | (18) |
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3 Exploring Ways to Accommodate Task-Based Language Teaching in Chinese Schools |
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30 | (16) |
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4 Bridging Communicative Language Teaching and Task-Based Language Teaching in Cambodia: Learners' Reactions to an Integrated Programme in the Non-Formal Education Sector |
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46 | (17) |
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PART TWO Focusing on the learner |
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63 | (72) |
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65 | (3) |
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5 `Old Wine in New Bottles': Two Case Studies of Task-Based Language Teaching in Vietnam |
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68 | (19) |
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6 Task-Based Language Teaching in the Primary Schools of South China |
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87 | (16) |
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7 Significant Task-Based Learning: Empowering Students with Position Search Skills in a University in Singapore |
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103 | (20) |
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8 Teaching the Teachers: Task-Based Teacher Training in Asia |
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123 | (12) |
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PART THREE Teachers' perspectives |
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135 | (54) |
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137 | (2) |
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9 Teachers' Perceived Difficulty in Implementing TBLT in China |
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139 | (17) |
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10 Gaining Acceptance of Task-Based Teaching during Malaysian Rural In-Service Teacher Training |
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156 | (14) |
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11 Preparing for Tasks in Vietnamese EFL High School Classrooms: Teachers in Action |
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170 | (19) |
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PART FOUR Tasks and technology |
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189 | (68) |
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191 | (2) |
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12 Language Learning Performance Using Engineering-Based Tasks via Text Chat |
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193 | (18) |
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Nik Aloesnita Nik Mohd Alwi |
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13 Employing Online Chat to Resolve Task-Based Activities: Using Online Chat to Promote Cultural Language Exchange between Japanese and Taiwanese Learners |
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211 | (17) |
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14 A Digital Shift is Not Enough: Cultural, Pedagogical and Institutional Challenges to Technology-Mediated Task-Based Learning in Japan |
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228 | (16) |
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15 A Trade-off in Learning: Mobile Augmented Reality for Language Learning |
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244 | (13) |
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PART FIVE Materials and curriculum design |
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257 | (84) |
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259 | (2) |
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16 A Needs Analysis for a Korean Middle School EFL General English Curriculum |
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261 | (18) |
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17 Materials Design for TBLT in Thailand: Balancing Process and Content |
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279 | (12) |
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18 Designing and Implementing Task-Based Vocational English Materials: Text, Language, Task, and Context in Indonesia |
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291 | (22) |
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19 The Effects of an Output-based Task on Subsequent Aural Input in a Japanese University Setting |
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313 | (15) |
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20 TBLT Materials and Curricula: From Theory to Practice |
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328 | (13) |
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PART SIX Assessment and evaluation |
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341 | (40) |
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343 | (5) |
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21 Task-Based Assessment for Young Learners: The Role of Teachers in Changing Cultures |
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348 | (18) |
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22 Teachers' Adaptations of TBLT: The Hong Kong Story |
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366 | (15) |
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Epilogue |
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381 | (4) |
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Index |
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385 | |
Michael Thomas is Senior Lecturer in Language Learning Technologies at the School of Language, Literature and International Studies, University of Central Lancashire, UK
Hayo Reinders is Professor of Education and Head of Department at Unitec, New Zealand and Dean of the Graduate School at Anaheim University, USA. He is also Editor-in-Chief of the journal 'Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching'.