17 TBLT refers to “an approach based on the use of the tasks as the core unit of
planning and instruction in language teaching.”
a. Definition of Task
Task plays the most important role in TBLT. Richards and Rodgers 2001: 224 state that Task-Based Language Teaching proposes “the notion of ‘task’ as a
central unit of planning and teaching.” Skehan 1996 cited by Richards and Rodgers, 2001: 224 proposes this definition:
Tasks … are activities which have meaning as their primary focus. Success in tasks is evaluated in terms of achievement of an outcome, and tasks
generally bear some resemblance to real- life language use. So task-based instruction takes a fairly strong view of communicative language teaching.
Some linguists attempt to group tasks into categories as a basis for task design and description. Willis 1996: 26-27 originates six types of task. They are
as follows. •
Listing
The processes in listing task involve brainstorming and fact-finding. In brainstorming, the learners draw on their own knowledge and experience
either as a class or in pairsgroup. In fact-finding, the learners find things out
by asking each other or other people and referring to books or the others.
•
Ordering and sorting
These tasks involve four main processes. They are sequencing items, actions, or events in a logical or chronological order; ranking items according to
personal values or specific criteria; categorizing items in given groups or grouping them under given headings; and classifying items in different ways,
where categories themselves are not given. PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
18 •
Comparing
Comparing task processes involve matching to identify specific points and relate them to each other; finding similarities and things in common; and
finding differences. •
Problem solving
In problem solving tasks, learners are to deal with analyzing real or hypothetical situations, reasoning, and decision making.
• Sharing personal experiences
These tasks encourage learners to talk more freely about themselves and share their experiences with others.
•
Creative tasks
These tasks involve learners in some kinds of freer creative work. They can involve combinations of the other task types.
b. The Characteristics of TBLT
