Task-Based Language Teaching: Where Did It Start and Where Is It Going?
Plenary at the 2019 KOTESOL International Conference.
Task-based language teaching (TBLT) is now the approach mandated by a number of educational authorities in Asia. In my talk, I will show how task-based language teaching (TBLT) grew out of communicative language teaching, drawing on both second language acquisition research and theories of education. I will trace its development from its early days, pointing to the multiple influences that have helped to shape its evolution. I will address key issues such as how to define "task," how tasks have been classified, how they can be sequenced into a syllabus, and how a complete lesson can be built around a task. I will also consider the use of tasks in computer-mediated language teaching and in assessment. I will emphasize that TBLT is multifarious and conclude with a set of questions that can guide the ongoing development of TBLT.
Bio
Rod Ellis is currently a research professor in the School of Education, Curtin University, in Perth, Australia. He is also a professor at Anaheim University, a visiting professor at Shanghai International Studies University, an emeritus professor of the University of Auckland, and a fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand. His published work includes articles and books on second language acquisition, language teaching, and teacher education. His latest books are Becoming and Being an Applied Linguist (John Benjamins) and Reflections on Task-based Language Teaching (Multilingual Matters). He has held university positions in six different countries and has conducted numerous consultancies and seminars throughout the world. His current interests are task-based language teaching and assessing L2 learners’ pragmatic knowledge.
