Task based learning

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Task based learning is a language learning method popularised by N. Prabhu while working in Bangalore, India. Prabhu figured out that his students could learn language just as easily with a non-linguistic problems as when they are concentrating on linguistic questions. Task Based Learning is used widely for language learning.

Jane Willis broke it into three sections. The pre-task, the task cycle, and the language focus.

1 Pre-task
2 Task Cycle
3 Language Focus
4 Further reading

[edit] Pre-task

The pre-task consists of an introduction to the topic and to the task. For example; the topic is ordering food. As the teacher writes down some possible answers, she underlines the key words like cheeseburger and fries. They now may see a video of some people at a restaurant ordering food.

[edit] Task Cycle

This consists of the task itself, planning, and a report. For example; the students now get into groups and pretend order or role-play with each other as the teacher monitors. (Task) The students now have to plan on what they will tell the rest of the class about what they just did. (Plan) Finally, they have to tell the report to the class about what they did. (Report)

[edit] Language Focus

This consists of an analysis and practice. For example; the students may examine and discuss any accompanying text, audio, or visuals. The teacher may also conduct some sort of practice, like a game.

This type of method steers teachers away from traditional roles, such as a controller. The Task Language Learning method proposes that teachers take a different attitude toward accuracy, unlike attitudes from Audio-lingualism or PPP methodologies.