More Acronyms (03/03/14)

You have heard of TMI (Too Much Information) and WTMI (Way too much information), but we are now dealing with tasks and making them work in the language-learning environment - TBI, TBLT, and CBI.

In Chapter 3 of  Tasks and Communicating in Language Classrooms, James F. Lee shares insight on developing task-based activities for task-based instruction (TBI).  There are questions that need to be formulated in order to provoke discussion, which would lead to task-based activity creation.

1. Identify a desired informational outcome.
2. Break down the topic into subtopics.
3. Create and sequence concrete tasks for learners to do, for example, create lists, fill in charts, make tables, etc..
4. Build in linguistic support, either lexical or grammatical or both.

Each area could generate several questions that would address a language outcome.  Lee gave examples of activities, like "What Did You Do Last Week?" and "The Best Shows on TV." These types of tasks appear to encourage reading, writing, speaking, and listening.  Lee maintains that task-based activities must structure and sequence learner interaction with a focus on meaning exchange.

Task-based Language Teaching, according to Richards & Rodgers (2001), refers to an approach based on the use of tasks as the core unit of planning and language instruction in teaching.  The key areas of concern identified in chapter 8 are:

• analysis of real-world task-use situations

• the translation of these into teaching task descriptions

• the detailed design of instructional tasks

• the sequencing of instructional tasks in classroom training

I believe the utilitarian purpose for learning a language, which TBI may encourage, helps students see a higher purpose for learning, outside of the classroom walls and report cards.  I am almost sure that is the reason I speak more than one langauge today.  I KNOW there is applicable use of them in real-world situations.  

Are you looking for a way to use a language you thought had no other purpose than to add points to your H.S. GPA?  Try attending a Meetup.  I have had the great benefit of Silent Suppers (American Sign Language)  and Meetups for Spanish music and language lovers.  Thinking of joining a group?  Try Meetup.  I strongly promote getting out, refreshing, learning and using your other language.

Lee, J. F. (2000). Tasks and communicating in language classrooms. Boston: McGraw-

     Hill.

Richards, J. C., & Rodgers, T. S. (2001). Approaches and methods in language teaching. 

     Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Image retrieved from http://www.nclrc.org