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TASK-BASED INSTRUCTION IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION

PRACTICES AND PROGRAMS

betty lou leaver an !ane r" #$ll$%& e$tor%

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, adusting them, and appraising and

testing them in normal classroom conditions. This book covers T!" syllabus and program design

and is based on actual classroom experience. #ny one of the courses or programs discussed can

serve as models for others. $any of the contributors are highly respected practitioners who are

presenting their programs for the first time, while others are regular participants in today%songoing dialogue about teaching methods.

&ull of concrete, adaptable models of task-based language teaching drawn from a number of

countries and eleven different languages'including #rabic, (hinese, (zech, English, &rench,

)erman, *orean, +panish, and krainian'Task-Based Instruction in Foreign Language

Educationpresents proven, real-world, practical courses and programs and includes web-based

activities. "t demonstrates useful and practical ways to engage students far beyond what can be

learned from reading textbook dialogue. T!" 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.

&or 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 Educationis a

rich and rewarding hands-on guide to effective and transformative learning.

Betty Lou Leaver is associate dean of )lobal Education and dean of New ork "nstitute of

Technology campuses in /ordan. +he has introduced task-based instruction into several foreign

language programs, including the 0efense 1anguage "nstitute, the #merican )lobal +tudies

"nstitute, N#+#, the #merican 1anguage (enter in Tashkent, zbekistan, and the #merican

1anguage (enter in (hisinau, $oldova. +he has also provided assistance to programs using T!"

in !razil, Turkmenistan, /apan, and *orea.

'ane ($ll$% is a visiting fellow at #ston niversity, !irmingham, *, where she taught in the

$asters in TE+213TE+4 distance learning programs, specializing in course and materials design

and lexical studies. +he has taught English to European and #sian students and has educated

teachers in #frica, (yprus, "ran, and +outheast #sia. +he began experimenting with task-based

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English teaching in 5678 in the !ritish (ouncil Teaching (entre in +ingapore. +he is the author

ofA Framework for Task-based Learningand coauthor ofEnglish for Primary Teachers.

9eviews

:# worthy addition to task-based literature and can be recommended without hesitation to E&1

practitioners. "ts marriage of theory, practice, and examples provides a highly stimulating

resource for those whose ob is to do rather than to talk about doing.:'Korea TE!L "ournal

:#n invaluable resource, made even more so by the thoughtfulness of the chapters. 9ather than

offering prescriptive plans, these authors share the thinking behind their decisions and thereby

provide generous insights into incorporating T!" in many different circumstances. #ny teacher

who wishes to improve student%s fluency will find inspiration and guidance in this volume.:'

Patr$)$a C*a+ut, professor of the 4ractice of +lavic 1anguages, ;arvard niversity

:#n eminently useful contribution to the field of language pedagogy combining the theoreticalbackground of task-based instruction illiams (ollege

:The introductory chapter, an overview of task-based instruction