Task-Based Learning

The task-based language teaching (TBL) SIG was formed in 2010 over a barbecue and beer discussion between two founding TBL SIG officers regarding the lack of an outlet and support for research into the implementation of TBLT in Japan. While the method has been implemented successfully in many contexts around the world it can prove to be a challenge with Japanese students brought up with teacher-fronted approaches. It can, and is being used however, by a growing number of teachers with students of all levels in Japan. The purpose of the TBL SIG is to aid teachers in implementing or refining task-based teaching practices with their students. Beginning as a forming SIG in 2010, we have quickly grown in size, and part of that growth is due to the success of our biennial conference, “TBLT in Asia”. Starting in 2012, we have hosted plenary speakers including Peter Skehan, Rod Ellis, Yuko Goto-Butler, William Littlewood, and Natsuko Shintani. For those not familiar with the method, TBLT refers, in its broadest sense, to an approach to teaching and learning which views the completion of meaningful tasks through authentic communication as an effective way to improve language proficiency. At the heart of TBLT is the task. The task can take any number of forms, from simple purposeful discussions to more complex negotiation and logical reasoning activities. It is sometimes misunderstood that TBLT is only useful for classes focused on spoken communication, but TBLT can successfully carried out with reading and writing classes, and has even been used for discrete-item exam preparation (a common argument against TBLT is that is unsuitable for such purposes). As a member, in addition to our bi-annual publication, “Taking it to Task”, you will have discounted entry rates for TBLSIG related meetings and conferences. We are also always on the lookout for contributors of articles or lesson plans for our journal, OnTask. Finally, if you would like to help out at an administrative level, either helping to run the TBLT in Asia conference or as a SIG officer, let us know! All enquiries can be sent to our main email address at tbltinasia@gmail.com