Improving Reading in L2: Task-Based Learning
Task-based approach is based on the completion of the task, free of
language control. The teacher facilitates learning opportunities by
exposing the students to comprehensive input through social interaction.
The aim of this study is to reveal the role of task-based reading activities
on the students’ English language development and their attitudes towards
reading skill. The texts were taken from PET (Preliminary English Test)
samples. The sample (n=60) was randomly formed out of the population of
the preparatory classes at Istanbul Aydin University. Their mean age was
21. The experimental group was instructed to follow task-based learning
approach, and the control group was to follow the traditional approach.
This experiment lasted four weeks, and then the researcher assessed the
performances of both groups according to the post-test results. The data
revealed that the task based method for reading skill in the experimental
group enabled the participants to take part in reading tasks more actively,
and to be more autonomous in their reading process. Hence, the students
managed to get higher grades in the reading class. Moreover, they developed
cognitive learning strategies through this learning methodology.
___
- Bulut, T., & Algül, Ö. (2017). Learner Preferences of Form-Focused
Instruction: Isolated or Integrated. The Journal of Academic Social
Science, 5(45), 34-42. DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.16992/ASOS.12218
Bygate, M., P. Skehan, and M. Swain. (eds). (2001). Researching Pedagogic
Tasks, Second Language Learning, Teaching and Testing. Harlow:
Longman.
Candlin, C. (1987). Towards Task-based Language Learning. In C. Candlin
and D.
Ellis, R. (2003). Task-based Language Learning and Teaching. Oxford:
Oxford University Press.
Ellis, R. (2006, April). Principles of Task Based Teaching. Paper presented
at the 2006 Asian EFL Journal Conference, Pusan, Korea.
Krashen, S. (1985). The Input Hypothesis: Issues and Implications.
London: Longman.
Littlewood, W. (2004). The Task-based Approach: Some Questions and
Suggestions. ELT Journal.
Mckinnon, M. & Rigby, N. (2004). Task-based Learning. Macmillan
publishers Ltd.
Nunan, D. (1989). Designing Tasks for the Communicative Classroom.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Prabhu, N. S. (1987). Second Language Pedagogy. Oxford: Oxford
University Press.
Richards, J. and Rodgers, T. (2001). Approaches and Methods in Language
Teaching. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Skehan, P. (1996). Second Language Acquisition Research and Task-based
Instruction. In J. Willis and D. Willis (Eds.), Challenge and Change
in Language Teaching. Oxford: Heinemann.
Willis, D. (1996). A Framework for Task-Based Learning. London:
Longman.
Willis, D. and J. Willis. (2007). Doing Task-based Teaching. Oxford:
Oxford University Press.