Task-Based Instruction in Foreign Language Education: Practices and Programs

Task-based language instruction has proven to be highly effective, but surprisingly underutilized. Theory can only go so far and hands-on experience can greatly speed and enhance the learning of a second language. Nineteen talented instructors who have successfully implemented task-based programs explain the principles behind the programs, discuss how problems were resolved, and share details on class activities and program design. Each chapter takes the reader through the different stages in designing and setting up such programs, adjusting them, and appraising and testing them in normal classroom conditions. This book covers TBI syllabus and program design and is based on actual classroom experience. Any one of the courses or programs discussed can serve as models for others. Many of the contributors are highly respected practitioners who are presenting their programs for the first time, while others are regular participants in today's ongoing dialogue about teaching methods. Full of concrete, adaptable models of task-based language teaching drawn from a number of countries and eleven different languages - including Arabic, Chinese, Czech, English, French, German, Korean, Spanish, and Ukrainian - "Task-Based Instruction in Foreign Language Education" presents proven, real-world, practical courses and programs; and includes web-based activities. It demonstrates useful and practical ways to engage students far beyond what can be learned from reading textbook dialogue. TBI involves the student directly with the language being taught via cognitively engaging activities that reflect authentic and purposeful use of language, resulting in language-learning experiences that are pleasurable and effective. For all instructors seeking to help their learners enhance their understanding and grasp of the foreign language they are learning, "Task-Based Instruction in Foreign Language Education" is a rich and rewarding hands-on guide to effective and transformative learning.

Table of Contents:
PrefaceAcknowledgments Part 1: An Overview of Task-Based Instruction: From Theories to Practices 1. Perspectives on Task-Based Instruction: Understanding Our Practices, Acknowledging Different PractitionersJane R. Willis Part 2: Task-Based Instruction in Classroom Instruction 2. Task-Based Instruction in U.S. Government Slavic Language ProgramsBetty Lou Leaver and Marsha A. Kaplan 3. Using Media-Based Tasks in Teaching SpanishAlicia Mora van Altena 4. Introducing Task-Based Instruction for Teaching English in Brazil: Learning How to Leap the HurdlesJaurez Lopes 5. Learning Arabic: From Language Functions to Tasks in a Diglossic ContextMahdi Alosh 6. Designing an Outcomes-Based TBI Japanese Language ProgramYoshiko Saito-Abbott 7. Task-Based Instruction for Teaching Spanish to ProfessionalsClemencia Macias 8. Bridging the Gap between Sciences and the Humanities: French for Professional EngineersWayne Richard Hager and Mary Ann Lyman-Hager Part 3: Internet Tasks and Programs9. Task-Based Reading Activities Developed for Online Delivery at the Defense Language InstituteNatalia Antokhim, Abdelfattah Boussalhi, Kuei-Lan Chen, Pamela Combacau, and Steve Koppany10. Webheads Communities: Writing Tasks for English Interleaved with Synchronous Online Communications and Web Page DevelopmentVance Stevens 11. Using Web Technology to Promote Writing, Analytical Thinking, and Creative Expression in GermanFranziska Lys Part 4: Assessment and Teacher Development12. Implementing Task-Based Assessment in a TEFL EnvironmentClaudio Passos de Oliveira 13. It's All in the Team: Approaches to Teacher Development in a Content-Based, Task-Based EFL ProgramKathryn Cozonac Appendix A: Multi-Continent Glossary of Terms Appendix B: Multi-Scale Proficiency Descriptors ReferencesAbout the ContributorsIndex