East Shikoku JALT:

Task-Based Teaching: Sorting out the Misunderstandings

Date: Wednesday, May 23rd, 2007 Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Speaker: Rod Ellis, University of Auckland

Description:
This talk is in four parts. The first part will consider the design of task-based courses and the methodology for implementing tasks in the classroom.

The second part will present my rationale for task-based language teaching (TBLT). Ellis will argue that the development of the implicit knowledge of a second language that is required for effective communication is best achieved by engaging learners in performing tasks. That is, learners can develop their communicative competence (including linguistic competence) through performing tasks, especially if the performance of the task entails attention to linguistic form.

The third part of the talk will examine theoretical objections that have been levelled against TBLT and argue that these are based on fundamental misunderstandings of its principles and methodology. Sheen (1994) and Swan (2005) have criticized TBLT on a number of grounds, including that there is no evidence to show that it works or works better than a more traditional form-focussed approach to language teaching. The assumptions underlying their criticisms will be examined and a response provided.

The fourth part will address more substantial problems with implementing TBLT in school classrooms, especially those in foreign language contexts. Again, Ellis will suggest a number of possible solutions to these problems.

About the speaker: Rod Ellis is currently Professor in the Department of Applied Language Studies and Linguistics, University of Auckland, where he teaches postgraduate courses on second language acquisition, individual differences in language learning and task-based teaching. His published work includes articles and books on second language acquisition, language teaching and teacher education. His books include Understanding Second Language Acquisition (BAAL Prize 1986) and The Study of Second Language Acquisition (Duke of Edinburgh prize 1995). More recently, Task-Based Learning and Teaching early (2003) and (with Gary Barkhuizen) Analyzing Learner Language (2005) were published by Oxford University Press. He has also published several English language textbooks, including Impact Grammar (Pearson: Longman). He is currently editor of the journal Language Teaching Research. In addition to his current position in New Zealand, he has worked in schools in Spain and Zambia and in universities in the United Kingdom, Japan and the United States. He has also conducted numerous consultancies and seminars throughout the world.

Organization: East Shikoku Chapter of the Japan Association for Language Teaching (East Shikoku JALT)

Cost: JALT Members: free
Non-members: 500 yen

Venue: Kochi University Asakura Campus, room 211

Location: Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture, Japan

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Contact East Shikoku JALT

Website: esjalt.org

Darren Lingley
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