As the owner and head instructor of Explore! Spanish Language Tutors, I have seen firsthand how Task Based Learning (TBL) creates the ideal environment for students to acquire practical language skills.
When I first began my career teaching Spanish abroad, I became fascinated by the growing research supporting TBL’s effectiveness compared to more traditional methods.
Now at Explore! Spanish, it sits at the core of our curriculum and lesson design.
First A Little Background
The idea behind TBL is that students learn a language best when they are focused on completing a task, rather than just studying grammar rules or vocabulary lists. The task provides a context and purpose for using the language that mirrors real-world situations.
The roots of TBL can be traced back to the 1980s work of applied linguists like David Nunan and Rod Ellis who proposed focusing instruction around experiential learning through authentic tasks.
Early studies found TBL increased motivation and stimulated authentic output compared to less contextual approaches.
At a basic level, tasks in a TBL framework involve using language communicatively to complete a goal. As the facilitator, my role is to carefully plan scaffolding input and clear outcomes for tasks without interrupting for corrections. Students problem solve together through collaboration, taking ownership of their production. The focus is kept on conveying meaningful messages over grammatical perfection, building confidence.
These teachings aligned with my philosophy that students learn best not through isolated drills but rather interactive activities mirroring real usage.
TBL in Action: Real-World Tasks for Engaged Learning
The key to TBL is designing authentic, real-world tasks that get students using the language in a natural context. For example, instead of having students memorize a list of clothing vocabulary, I might bring in a clothing catalog and have them work together to pick out an outfit for a character I describe.
They need to use phrases like “I think she should wear the red dress” or “The jacket is too big” to complete the task. I guide them and provide support, but the task itself is their focus.
Here are some grexamples of creative TBL activities I’ve implemented with great success:
- Ordering Food: For a lesson on food vocabulary and ordering at restaurants, I set up a “Spanish cafe” scenario. Students took turns role-playing the customer and waiter, with menus, notepads and props.
- Navigating their Way: To practice giving directions, I had students work in pairs with a map to navigate from point A to point B, asking for and giving directions completely in Spanish.
- Calling the Game: For sports enthusiasts, I’ve facilitated tasks like a Spanish “sports commentator” station where they give a play-by-play of a soccer game video clip.
- Planning the Trip: To make learning about Spanish culture interactive, I’ve had students plan a dream vacation itinerary to a Spanish-speaking country based on their interests and budget.
- Around the Home: To practice household vocabulary, I’ve given students a pretend budget to “furnish” an apartment together by picking items from a catalog.
The options are endless! The tasks can be molded around any theme or grammar concept. I’m always looking for ways to add an interactive twist.
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The Benefits for Student Engagement and Interest
I’ve found TBL to be extremely effective, especially with my younger students. They get so caught up in completing the activity that they often forget they are practicing Spanish!
The tasks help mimic real conversations and get them using the language in an authentic way.
- TBL Promotes Communicative Language Use: Another benefit of TBL is that it’s highly adaptable to each student’s interests and learning style. If I know a student loves cooking, I can design tasks around reading recipes and discussing ingredients. For more creative learners, tasks like creating Spanish language brochures or plays allow them to apply the language in fun new ways.
- Long-Term Benefits for Motivation and Community: Another benefit I’ve found is that TBL maintains student motivation and interest in the long-term. They look forward to lessons because the tasks are fun and varied. I also mix up partners and groups, so they get to know all their fellow students throughout the term. This builds a supportive classroom community, while preventing the burnout that can happen with repetitive drills.
- TBL Develops Real World Language Skills: As an immersive language tutor, my goal is to help students use Spanish in their daily lives. TBL gives them practice doing just that in my lessons through realistic scenarios. Instead of passive memorization, TBL allows for active, flexible use of the language. Students learn grammar and vocabulary most efficiently when applying them to complete engaging tasks.
The Tutor’s Role in TBL
When implementing lessons involving TBL, I first provide enough background to ensure students understand a scenario like making travel plans. They then work independently or together researching transportation options and discussing recommendations through activities and role plays completely in Spanish. As students determine the best itinerary, I observe and offer guidance if needed to keep them progressing toward the objective.
As the tutor, I provide guidance during the tasks to expand vocabulary, improve grammar, and correct errors through feedback. But the focus remains on task completion rather than isolated grammar drills. The students have a goal to work towards using the language as a tool, rather than the language itself being the goal.
TBL Challenges the Tutor to Create Dynamic Learning
TBL has challenged me as a tutor to create more dynamic learning materials beyond textbook exercises. It’s more work to develop authentic tasks, but my students’ improvement and engagement makes it well worth the effort.
Their confidence using Spanish in unscripted conversations has grown faster than with my previous methods.
Tips for Tutors New to TBL
For other tutors looking to try TBL, my advice is to start small. Try designing just a portion of one lesson around a task at first. Pay attention to how motivated students are compared to more traditional activities. Over time, you can increase the task-based portions as you get comfortable designing them.
Don’t be afraid to be creative and tailor the tasks to your students’ unique interests. Tap into their hobbies, backgrounds and learning styles to make the tasks really resonate. Adding an element of fun and friendly competition can also boost engagement.
Conclusion and Recommendation
In closing, Task Based Learning has been a game-changer for my tutoring business. My students have made tremendous strides in their conversational abilities through completing meaningful tasks.
I highly recommend other language tutors give TBL a try to engage students and get them using the language in an authentic, purposeful way.
