International Journal of Language & Linguistics

A Report on Implementing the Task-Based Approach in an Advanced Listening and Speaking Class
Fatimah Almutrafi, PhD

Abstract
Recent years have witnessed a profusion of works on the task-based approach as an effective teaching methodology that promotes communication and interaction skills. This approach is an activity in which the target language is used by the learner for a communicative purpose to achieve an outcome. However, little research has been done to examine practically the mechanism of task design and its effect on providing a communicative competence. This paper aims to question the usefulness of implementing task-based teaching as a communicative approach which promotes interaction and good language learning in an advanced level classroom. The task is targeted at a particular group of advanced learners who are part of a Listening and Speaking class. The aim of the task was to provide the learners with authentic opportunities to practice their speaking skills. The findings show that the learners successfully performed the task, they identified the given problem through a good discussion and interacted effectively during the stages of the task. However, there was no variety in the language use as they restricted themselves to one form of the language. This paper suggests some points that need to be taken into consideration by teachers when planning to implement TBLT in their classrooms.

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