Abstract

TASK-BASED LANGUAGE TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT: A TEACHING SESSION REPORT

Kothar Talib Sulaiman Al Harrasi

Volume: 2 Issue: 3 2012

Abstract:

Task-based teaching is one of the approaches used in language teaching which aims to offer real- life language needs through real interaction in the target language (Nunan, 2004). It creates a motivating and meaningful context to facilitate second language learning. Learners basically focus on task performance while using the target language rather than practising it through traditional language-based activities. In the recent decades, several educational institutes are applying such an approach to teach a foreign language. This paper attempts to explore the effectiveness of using debates in language teaching and further investigates its implication in Omani context. Overall results show that applying a debate is a very communicative task that students enjoy if the topic meets their interest; however, it needs a qualified teacher who can control the on-going conversation between students and get students equal opportunities to participate.

Back Download

References

• Cuesta, M. (1995). A Task-Based Approach to Language Teaching: The Case for Task-Based Grammar Activities. Revista Alicantina de Estudios Ingleses 8: 91-100.
• Ellis, R. (2003) Task-based Language Learning and Teaching. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
• Larsen- freeman, D. (2000) Techniques and principles in language teaching. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Luoma, S. (2004). Assessing speaking. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
• Prabhu, N. S. (1987) Second Language Pedagogy. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Richards, J.C. and T. S. Rodgers (2001) Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching. New York: Cambridge University Press.
• Willis, D. and J. willis (2007) Doing Task-Based Teaching. Oxford: Oxford University Press.