Task-based learning is basically what the name says. It is learning centered around various tasks. The tasks that are outlined are there to generate the language to be used. The main focus is on the task to be completed. The teachers make the students to do some tasks, that force them to reuse certain words over and over again. In so doing, the students become more comfortable with those words and the language, while making it easier on them because they are incorporating it into their various tasks and assignments. Language is used to carry out the various tasks assigned forcing communication and use of verbiage in the classroom.
The narrator puts up a diagram that shows the way it can be incorporated into the classroom. She compares it with real world problem solving. They have authentic text that they come across and those can lead into topic or genre based tasks. Another avenue is the language in use and focus meaning that in turn is supposed to yield the final task with linguistic output.
When it comes to planning a task-based learning, Estaire and Zannon recommend a few guidelines. The guidelines are to determine a theme or interest area, propose a final task, set objectives, check the content, discuss the process, and lastly incorporation of the evaluation built into the learning process. This method seems to be effective in that it causes students to get to an objective without as much effort. The children are having fun, and learning without all of the hassle incorporated into it. As an educator I can take this method to get students to be more involved in the classroom, and utilize things like arts and crafts to make English a more fun and enjoyable subject. They may take words and paste around the room, or build little paper toys with labels in order to further engage their minds in literacy and English words.
It is always a great idea to watch videos an learn from them! All of the videos that we have watched this semester have helped me learn how to be a great teacher.
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