Task-Based Language Learning and Teaching and Students' Use of the Mother Tongue

Seminar Paper , 2011 , 12 Pages , Grade: 1,0

Didactics for the subject English - Pedagogy, Literature Studies

Although it is undisputable that task-based language learning and teaching seems to be an interesting and varied methodology regarding language classrooms, there may arise some difficulties when trying to implement this approach. One of the most challenging issues within task-based approaches is considered to be the students’ use of the mother tongue.
This term paper aims to examine how to deal with mother tongue use in a task-based classroom, how to encourage target language use and finally, how mother tongue use is compatible with task-based approaches

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Task-Based Language Teaching
  • Principles of Task-Based Language Teaching
• Mother Tongue Use in Task-based Classrooms

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper aims to examine the role of mother tongue use in task-based language classrooms. It will explore how to encourage target language use and how mother tongue use is compatible with task-based approaches. The paper will also provide a brief overview of the main characteristics and guiding principles of task-based language teaching.

• The use of mother tongue in task-based language learning and teaching
• Strategies to encourage target language use in task-based classrooms
• The compatibility of mother tongue use with task-based approaches
• The role of the teacher in task-based language teaching
• The impact of task complexity on mother tongue use

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This chapter introduces the topic of task-based language teaching and highlights the challenges associated with mother tongue use in such classrooms. It outlines the paper's objective to examine the role of mother tongue use in promoting target language acquisition and its compatibility with task-based approaches.
• Task-Based Language Teaching: This chapter explores the fundamental principles of task-based language teaching, emphasizing its learner-centered approach and its focus on natural, communicative interactions in the target language. It outlines the key principles of scaffolding, task dependency, recycling, active learning, integration, reproduction to creation, and reflection.
• Mother Tongue Use in Task-based Classrooms: This chapter delves into the issue of mother tongue use in task-based classrooms, exploring research findings on the functions of mother tongue in these settings. It examines studies by Carless and Swain & Lapkin, highlighting their findings on the use of the mother tongue for tasks such as moving the task along, focusing attention, and interpersonal interaction.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This paper focuses on the key concepts of task-based language teaching, mother tongue use, target language acquisition, and communicative language teaching. The research examines the relationship between mother tongue use and the success of task-based approaches, exploring strategies to encourage target language use and the role of the teacher in facilitating this process.

• College: University of Bamberg (Lehrstuhl für Didaktik der englischen Sprache und Literatur)
• Course: Task based language learning and teaching
• Grade: 1,0
• Author: Anja Hilsenbeck (Author)
• Publication Year: 2011
• Pages: 12
• Catalog Number: V170578
• ISBN (eBook): 9783640895304
• ISBN (Book): 9783640895779
• Language: English
• Tags: task-based language learning, mother tongue use