Contemporary Task-Based Language Teaching in Asia

by Michael Thomas (Editor), Li Wei (Editor), Hayo Reinders (Editor)

Overview

Over the last decade, task-based approaches to language learning and teaching (TBLT) have become a major focus of research in Asia in order to create curricula with authentic and meaningful engagement with language learning. Exploring the pedagogic and cultural challenges of top-down approaches to curriculum development in Asia, this book looks at the drivers, stakeholders and obstacles across the region.

While 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. Contemporary Task-Based Language Teaching in Asia is important to all involved in language development, from curriculum reform to materials development and assists from programme evaluation to the setting of assessment standards. With case studies from 11 Asian countries, including China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Singapore, chapters cover all aspects of language education, from primary to tertiary, private and public education, as well as innovations at local, regional and national levels. Providing examples from a wide range of perspectives and methodologies, Contemporary Task-Based Language Teaching in Asia is an important contribution to TBLT research.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781350202108
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	01/14/2021
Series:	Contemporary Studies in Linguistics
Pages:	416
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.61(h) x 0.84(d)

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 Institute of Technology, New Zealand, and Dean of the Graduate School at Anaheim University, USA.

Table of Contents

Foreword,
1. Introduction,
Part I: The South-East Asian Context
Introduction,
2. Task-Based Language Teaching in the Asian Context: Where Are We Now and Where Are We Going?,
3. Exploring Ways to Accommodate Task-Based Language Teaching in Chinese Schools,
4. Bridging Communicative Language Teaching and Task-Based Language Teaching in Cambodia: Learners' Reactions to an Integrated Program in the Non-Formal Education Sector,
Part II: Focusing on the Learner
Introduction,
5. 'Old Wine in New Bottles': Two Case Studies of Task-Based Language Teaching in Vietnam,
6. Task-Based Language Teaching in the Primary Schools of South China,
7. Significant Task-Based Learning: Empowering Students with Position Search Skills in a University in Singapore,
8. Teaching the Teachers: Task-Based Teacher Training in Asia, Marilyn Lewis (University of Auckland, New Zealand)
Part III: Teachers' Perspectives
Introduction,
9. Teachers' Perceived Difficulty in Implementing TBLT in China,
10. Gaining Acceptance of Task-Based Teaching During Malaysian Rural In-Service Teacher Training,
11. Preparing for Tasks in Vietnamese EFL High School Classrooms: Teachers in Action, Bao Trang Thi Nguyen (Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand), Jonathan Newton (Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand) and David Crabbe (Regional Language Centre, Singapore)
Part IV: Tasks and Technology
Introduction,
12. Language Learning Performance Using Engineering-Based Tasks via Text Chat,
13. Employing Online Chat to Resolve Task-Based Activities: Using Online Chat to Promote Cultural Language Exchange between Japanese and Taiwanese Learners,
14. A Digital Shift is Not Enough: Cultural, Pedagogical and Institutional Challenges to Technology - Mediated Task-Based Language Teaching in Japan,
15. A Trade-off in Learning: Mobile Augmented Reality for Language Learning,
Part V: Materials and Curriculum Design
Introduction,
16. A Needs Analysis for a Korean Middle School EFL General English Curriculum,
17. Materials Design for TBLT in Thailand: Balancing Process and Content,
18. Contextually Framing Task-Based English Language Pedagogy: Vocational English
Materials Development in Indonesia,
19. The Effects of Input on Output-based L2 Tasks in a Japanese University Setting,
20. TBLT Materials and Curricula: From Theory to Practice,
Part VI: Assessment and Evaluation
Introduction,
21. Task-Based Assessment for Young Learners: Old Meets New Cultures,
22. Teachers' Adaptations of TBLT: The Hong Kong Story,
Epilogue,
Index

Editorial Reviews

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.

From the Publisher