Tasks in foreign language teaching: Context, theory, pedagogy, practice. The notion of teaching through tasks is closely linked with the communicative turn in foreign language teaching since the early 1970s. Tasks-based language learning settings are en vogue, and even the current standards-mania in the EFL discourse draws some legitimacy from advocating tasks in the language classroom. A situation like this calls for critical review and analysis. In this seminar, we will look at the wider context of the TBL-approach, its heritage and background with in the EFL discourse. For a thorough understanding of the potential of task-oriented language pedagogy, we’ll analyse the basic concept ‘task’ from various epistemological perspectives (e.g. cognitivism, pragmatism, constructivism, and critical pedagogy). Against this background, task-based language learning systems and methodologies will be analysed and critiqued (e.g. scope, theoretical background and pedagogical implications). Workload and assessment: There will be both plenary and collaborative phases throughout the semester. Individual work is needed for preparation of compulsory reading for some sessions. Students are required to attend regularly. They will also be asked to submit assignments (e.g. write a continuous learning log; summaries or reviews of core and optional reading; summarising and contextualising main ideas from relevant texts in short presentations; half-term and end-of-term review; products of collaborative work; etc.) on a regular basis. Assessment will be based on a term-paper to be handed in by the end of the term. Core reading suggested for purchase: Samuda, Virginia / Bygate, Martin (2008): Tasks in Second Language Learning. London: Palgrave/Macmillan. Willis, Dave / Willis, Jane (2007): Doing Task-based Teaching. Oxford: OUP. For the shortest of overviews: Carstens, Ralph (2005): “’Engaging Learners in Meaning-Focused Language Use’” Praxis Fremdsprachenunterricht 4/2005: 7-12. Weskamp, Ralf (2001): Fachdidaktik: Grundlagen und Konzepte. Anglistik, Amerikanistik. Berlin: Cornelsen. 70-75. A course syllabus and reading list will be available on the accompanying Moodle-course towards the beginning of the term. To sign up for the course and access the Moodle-course, please contact: englischdidaktik@hu-berlin.de. Key (Moodle): Tasks |
