Contemporary Task-Based Language Teaching in Asia: (Contemporary Studies in Linguistics)

Over the last decade task-based approaches to language learning and teaching (TBLT) have become a global focus of increased levels of research. Governments around the world have turned to TBLT as a potential solution for curricula that lack authentic and meaningful engagement with language learning and are failing to motivate students as a result. This book focuses on Asia, where this shift has been particularly in evidence. TBLT has often been implemented in top-down approaches to curriculum development, which presents a huge range of challenges at the cultural as well as the pedagogic level. Contemporary Task Based Language Teaching in Asia looks at the drivers, stakeholders and obstacles across the region. Some countries have adapted TBLT to deal with the local constraints, others have found it hard to apply and many are still in the process of investigating its implementation in their specific contexts. This collection is important to all involved in language development, from curriculum reform to materials development. It assists from programme evaluation to the setting of assessment standards. The chapters cover all aspects of language education across Asia, from primary to tertiary, private and public education, as well as innovations at local, regional and national levels.

Table of Contents:
Foreword, David Nunan 1. Introduction, Michael Thomas PART I: THE SOUTH-EAST ASIAN CONTEXT Introduction, William Littlewood 2. Task-Based Language Teaching in the Asian Context: Where Are We Now and Where Are We Going?, Chun Lai 3. Exploring Ways to Accommodate Task-Based Language Teaching in Chinese Schools, Shaoqian Luo and Yafu Gong 4. Bridging Communicative Language Teaching and Task-Based Language Teaching in Cambodia: Learners' Reactions to an Integrated Program in the Non-Formal Education Sector, Nicole Takeda PART II: FOCUSING ON THE LEARNER Introduction, Phil Benson 5. 'Old Wine in New Bottles': Two Case Studies of Task-Based Language Teaching in Vietnam, Nguyen Gia Viet, Le Van Canh and Roger Barnard 6. Task-Based Language Teaching in the Primary Schools of South China, Yuefeng Zhang 7. Significant Task-Based Learning: Empowering Students with Position Search Skills in a University in Singapore, Brad Blackstone and Radhika Jaidev 8. Teaching the Teachers: Task-Based Teacher Training in Asia, Marilyn Lewis PART III: TEACHERS' PERSPECTIVES Introduction, Jack C. Richards 9. Teachers' Perceived Difficulty in Implementing TBLT in China, Shaoqian Luo and Jiaxin Xing 10. Gaining Acceptance of Task-Based Teaching During Malaysian Rural In-Service Teacher Training, Stephen J. Hall 11. Preparing for Tasks in Vietnamese EFL High School Classrooms: Teachers in Action, Bao Trang, Thi Nguyen, Jonathan Newton and David Crabbe PART IV: TASKS AND TECHNOLOGY Introduction, Glenn Stockwell 12. Language Learning Performance Using Engineering-Based Tasks via Text Chat, Nik Aloesnita Nik Mohd Alwi 13. Employing Online Chat to Resolve Task-Based Activities: Using Online Chat to Promote Cultural Language Exchange between Japanese and Taiwanese Learners, Mark R. Freiermuth and Hsin-chou Huang 14. A Digital Shift is Not Enough: Cultural, Pedagogical and Institutional Challenges to Technology -Mediated Task-Based Language Teaching in Japan, Michael Thomas 15. A Trade-off in Learning: Mobile Augmented Reality for Language Learning, Hayo Reinders, Onuma Lakarnchua and Mark Pegrum PART V: MATERIALS AND CURRICULUM DESIGN Introduction, Nigel Harwood 16. A Needs Analysis for a Korean Middle School EFL General English Curriculum, Moonyoung Park 17. Materials Design for TBLT in Thailand: Balancing Process and Content, Pornapit Darasawang 18. Contextually Framing Task-Based English Language Pedagogy: Vocational English Materials Development in Indonesia, Handoyo Puji Widodo 19. The Effects of Input on Output-based L2 Tasks in a Japanese University Setting, Wataru Suzuki and Nobuya Itagaki 20. TBLT Materials and Curricula: From Theory to Practice, Brian Tomlinson PART VI: ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION Introduction, Ali Shehadeh 21. Task-Based Assessment for Young Learners: Old Meets New Cultures, Yuko Goto Butler 22. Teachers' Adaptations of TBLT: The Hong Kong Story, David R. Carless Epilogue, Rod Ellis Index

About the Author :
Michael Thomas is Senior Lecturer in Language Learning Technologies at the School of Language, Literature and International Studies, University of Central Lancashire, UK Hayo Reinders is Professor of Education and Head of Department at Unitec, New Zealand and Dean of the Graduate School at Anaheim University, USA. He is also Editor-in-Chief of the journal 'Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching'.

Review :
The contributions in this book provide us with a window into the diverse ways in which TBLT is conceptualised and practised across the Asia region. It speaks to important debates about localised forms of language teaching, compelling us to revise further our understandings of TBLT. -- Cynthia J. White, Professor of Applied Linguistics, Massey University, New Zealand