TBLT in Asia: Constraints and Opportunities

Rebecca Adams, Jonathan Newton

Asian Journal of English Language Teaching ›› 2009, Vol. 19 ›› Issue (1) : 1-18.

PDF(85 KB)
PDF(85 KB)
Asian Journal of English Language Teaching ›› 2009, Vol. 19 ›› Issue (1) : 1-18. DOI: 10.65961/AJELT-2009-1-001
Guest Editors’ Introduction

TBLT in Asia: Constraints and Opportunities

  • Rebecca Adams1, Jonathan Newton2
Author information +
History +

Abstract

Task-based language teaching (TBLT) has been adopted by several Asian governments as the national approach to English language pedagogy, and principles associated with task-based teaching have been advocated in a range of other curriculum initiatives. However, large scale top-down curricular revisions may not directly impact actual language teaching practice. In this article, a brief description of curricular innovation and curriculum dissemination, as well as an overview of task-based teaching is provided. This is followed by a discussion of institutional, classroom, and teacher development constraints that may limit the implementation of TBLT in Asian English language teaching. Despite these challenges, emerging evidence of successful, grass-roots implementation of task-based teaching in Asia points to opportunities for further adoption—and adaptation—of task-based English language teaching in Asian educational settings.

Cite this article

Download Citations
Rebecca Adams, Jonathan Newton. (2009). TBLT in Asia: Constraints and Opportunities.Asian Journal of English Language Teaching , 19(1): 1-18. https://doi.org/10.65961/AJELT-2009-1-001

References

Adamson, B., & Davison, C. (2003). Innovation in English language teaching in Hong Kong primary schools: One step forward, two steps sideways? Prospect, 18(1), 27-41.
Butler, Y. G. (2005). Comparative perspectives toward communicative activities among elementary school teachers in South Korea, Japan and Taiwan.Language Teaching Research, 9, 423-446.
Bygate M., Skehan P., & Swain M. (Eds.). (2001). Researching pedagogical tasks: Second language learning, teaching, and testing. Harlow, England: Longman Education.
Carless, D. (2002). Implementing task-based learning with young learners.English Language Teaching Journal, 56(4), 389-396.
Carless, D. (2004). Issues in teachers' reinterpretation of a task-based innovation in primary schools.TESOL Quarterly, 38, 639-662.
Carless, D. (2007). The suitability of task-based approaches for secondary schools: Perspectives from Hong Kong.System, 35, 595-608.
Chang, B. (2004). A case study of native English-speaking teachers' understanding of EFL contexts in Korea.Pan-Pacific Association of Applied Linguistics, 8, 119-135.
Chao, J. C., & Wu, A. M. (2008). A study of task-based learning and teaching in a large EFL class. Saarbrüken: Verlag Dr. Müller.
Chow A. K.W., & Mok-Cheung, A. H. M. (2004). English language teaching in Hong Kong SAR: Tradition, transition, and transformation In H W Kam & R Y L Wong (Eds), Language policies and language education: The impact in East Asian countries in the next decade (pp 150-177) Singapore: Times Academic Press Tradition, transition, and transformation. In H. W. Kam & R. Y. L. Wong (Eds.), Language policies and language education: The impact in East Asian countries in the next decade (pp. 150-177). Singapore: Times Academic Press.
Clark J., Lo Y. C., Hui M. F., Kam M., Carless D., & Wong P. M. (1999). An investigation into the development and implementation of the TOC initiative with special reference to professional competencies, professional development and resources: Final report. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Institute of Education.
Cortazzi, M., & Jin, L. (1996). English teaching and learning in China.Language Teaching, 29(2), 61-80.
Cortazzi, M., & Jin, L. (2001). Large classes in China: “Good” teachers and interaction. In D. Watkins & J. B. Biggs (Eds.), Teaching the Chinese learner: Psychological and pedagogical perspectives (pp. 115-134). Melbourne: Australian Council for Educational Research.
Eguchi, M., & Eguchi, K. (2006). The limited effect of PBL on EFL learners: A case study of English magazine projects.Asian EFL Journal, 8(3), 207-225.
Ellis, R. (2003). Task-based language learning and teaching. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Ellis, R. (Ed.). (2005). Planning and task performance in a second language. Amsterdam: John Benjamins.
Finch, A. (2001). A formative evaluation of a task-based conversation English program.The PAC Journal, 1(1), 125-146.
Gorush, G. J. (2000). EFL educational policies and educational cultures: Influences on teachers' approval of communicative activities.TESOL Quarterly, 34, 675-710.
Hatch, E. (1978). Discourse analysis and second language acquisition. In E. Hatch (Ed.), Second Language Acquisition (pp. 401-435). Rowley, MA: Newbury House.
Hsu, Y. J. (2007). Elementary school EFL students' learning style preferences and strategy use and their relationship with the students' English learning achievement. Unpublished master's thesis, Providence University, Taiwan.
Hu, G. (2002). Recent important developments in secondary English-language teaching in the People's Republic of China.Language, Culture and Curriculum, 15, 30-49.
Hu, G. (2005). English language education in China: Policies, progress, and problems.Language Policy, 4, 5-24.
Jeon, I. J. (2006). EFL teachers' perception of task-based language teaching: With a focus on Korean secondary classroom practice.Asian EFL Journal, 8, 192-206.
Kelly, A. V. (2004). The curriculum: Theory and practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Lee, S. M. (2005). The pros and cons of task-based instruction in elementary English classes.English Teaching, 60, 185-205.
Li, D. F. (1998). “It's always more difficult than you plan and imagine”: Teachers' perceived difficulties in introducing the communicative approach in South Korea.TESOL Quarterly, 32, 677-703.
Littlewood, W. (2004). The task-based approaches: Some questions and suggestions.English Language Teaching Journal, 58(4), 319-326.
Littlewood, W. (2007). Communicative and task-based language teaching in East Asian classrooms.Language Teaching, 40, 243-249.
Long, M. H. (1983). Linguistic and conversational adjustments to non-native speakers.Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 5, 177-194.
Long M. H.(1996). The role of the linguistic environment in second language acquisition. In W. C. Ritchie & T. K. Bhatia (Eds.), Handbook of second language acquisition (pp. 413-468). New York: Academic Press.
McDonough, K., & Chaikitmongkol, W. (2007). Teachers' and learners' reactions to a task-based EFL course in Thailand.TESOL Quarterly, 41, 107-132.
Nunan, D. (2004). Task-based language teaching. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
O'Dwyer, F. (2009). Supplementing a task-based curriculum with the European Language Portfolio.The Language Teacher, 33(3), 15-20.
Samuda, V., & Bygate, M. (2008). Tasks in second language learning. Houndsmills, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.
Sheen, R. (1994). A critical analysis of the advocacy of the task-based syllabus.TESOL Quarterly, 28, 127-151.
Shim, R. (2001). Teaching English through movies: How to do it the communicative way.STEM Journal, 2(2), 129-154.
Shim R.,& Baik, M. (2000). South and North Korea. In H. W. Kam & R. Y. L. Wong (Eds.), Language policies and language education: The impact in East Asian countries in the next decade (pp. 246-261). Singapore: Times Academic Press.
Skehan, P. (1998). A cognitive approach to language learning. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Sung, C. M. (2005). An action research for communicative English teaching implemented in an elementary school: An example of fourth graders.Journal of National Taipei University of Education, 18, 267-296.
Swan, M. (2005). Legislation by hypothesis: The case of task-based instruction.Applied Linguistics, 26, 376-401.
Tinker Sachs, G. (2007). The challenges of adopting and adapting task-based cooperative teaching and learning in an EFL context. In K. Van den Branden, K. van Gorp & M. Verhelst (Eds.), Tasks in action: Task-based language education from a classroom-based perspective (pp. 253-264). Newcastle: Cambridge Scholars Press.
Van den Branden, K. (Ed.). (2006). Task-based language education: From theory to practice. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Weaver, C. (2007). Willingness to communicate: A mediating factor in the interaction between learners and tasks. In K. Van den Branden, K. Van Gorp & M. Verhelst (Eds.), Tasks in action: Task-based language education from a classroom-based perspective (pp. 159-194). Newcastle: Cambridge Scholars Press.
Willis D.,& Willis, J. (2007). Doing task-based teaching. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Zhang E. Y.(2007). TBLT innovation in primary school English language teaching in mainland China. In K. Van den Branden, K. Van Gorp & M. Verhelst (Eds.), Tasks in action: Task-based language education from a classroom-based perspective (pp. 68-91). Newcastle: Cambridge Scholars Press.
PDF(85 KB)

Accesses

Citation

Detail

Sections
Recommended

/