Ans. Task-based Language Teaching is a process of teaching where students are engaged in thinking and doing a task designed and regulated by the teacher. In the process, students complete a focused task by using the target language. The end product should be something original and accomplishing. For example, a group of students can go to the American Centre to know about their programs and activities. After coming back from the Centre, they report to the class. This is a task-based language teaching approach which provides students with opportunity to complete a task by using and developing the target language skills. However, this approach does not focus on the language use; rather, it focuses on completing the task. Using and developing the language skills would be the logical consequence of the completion of the task.
Rationale: The rationale of using the task-based language teaching is to engage learners into meaningful and authentic tasks. The purpose is to put students in situations where they develop strategies to complete a designed task and become independent learners.
Syllabus: The syllabus of TBLT depends on the context and level of students. Teachers need to design a TBLT syllabus by doing a need’s assessment and diagnostic tasks. After doing this, they can design a task-focused syllabus by incorporating tasks that may range from easy to difficult tasks. For example, teachers can design a TB syllabus for intermediate-level students by incorporating the following tasks:
i) simulated task of ordering a tea and shingara
ii) buying a rail ticket
iii) learning about the programs of various Embassies or High Commissions
iv) completing a chart of what students did yesterday
Problems with assessment: Students may not develop accuracy in the target language as they are not graded on the appropriate use of the language.
