Task-based Language Teaching (TBLT)

What is task-based language teaching (TBLT)?

Task-based learning focuses on the use of authentic language through meaningful tasks such as visiting the doctor or a telephone call.  This method encourages meaningful communication and is student-centred.

Characteristics:

Students are encouraged to use language creatively and spontaneously through tasks and problem solving

Students focus on a relationship that is comparable to real world activities

The conveyance of some sort of meaning is central to this method

Assessment is primarily based on task outcome

TBLT is student-centered

Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) is the latest trend in SLL approaches.  Although it has produced very positive results in certain contexts (eg small class sizes of immigrant children), like every method that has preceded it, TBLT is also revealing its weaknesses.  Broady (2006) notes that TBLT may not provide sufficient "Interaction Opportunities."  Bruton (2005) identifies other concerns:

There is no acquisition of new grammar or vocabulary features

Everything is left to the teacher

Not all students are or will be motivated by TBLT

Some students need more guidance and will not or cannot notice language forms (grammar) or other elements of accuracy

Students typically translate and use a lot of their L1 rather than the target language in completing the tasks.

http://www.educ.ualberta.ca/staff/olenka.bilash/best%20of%20bilash/taskbasedlanguageteaching.html