TASKS AND PROJECTS IN TEACHING ENGLISH
Georgiana Mona Săvescu , Colegiul Naţional „ Octavian Goga ” Sibiu
Abstract : Adapting teaching methods to the needs of the present-day student as well as to the present-day reality , where students are subject to the digital distractions is a must . As teachers , we must intensify our efforts to engage students in meaningful and challenging activities , that stir their interest and make them ignore the multiple distractions . Understanding the students of today is the first step towards creating a participative class environment , where each learner can find something worthwhile and engaging to do . Assigning tasks and projects is a solution , as they both entail participation and the use of higher-level skills , but also collaboration and mutual support among students and teachers .
Key words : meaningful , context , learning by discovery , project , task , real-life situations , collaboration , creativity , challenge
In recent years , social media and the internet as a whole have changed the way languages are learned . And when times change , one must definitely move with the times . Therefore , it is imperative for modern language teachers to address the needs and interests of today ’ s students and to adapt to the new context , by using methods that meet students ’ needs and expectations . While task-based and project-based approaches to language teaching may be nothing new , teachers can definitely give them the 2023 twist they need in order to make them attractive for their students .
What does one think of when visualizing a class full of secondary schoolers ?… Lots of teenagers , bored or restless , and not that keen to participate on today ’ s class ! This is precisely the reason why task-based and project-based language teaching methodology can be used in order for teachers to get the assistance they need in immersing students into active learning and getting them to work on selected tasks and projects . These approaches offer multiple benefits to both students and teachers .
The Task-Based Method The task-based approach represents a major change in paradigm since the focus on
content has shifted to skills and competencies . Planning and design are no longer about what is taught but about why something is taught and what students can do with it later in life . Using this approach , material students actually need to know to meet their goals and objectives is taught , and the focus becomes the task , as opposed to traditional teaching when tasks were just a means to an end .
The choice of task may seem to be a difficult one , but the answer to this question stems from the answer to another essential question : “ Why are my students learning English ?”. The next step is simply to create a relevant program bylooking at ways to help learners achieve their personal and / or professional goals . The tasks in this method should be based on common real-life situations , which one may actually encounter and have to deal with . Depending on their level , tasks range from simple to more advanced and complex , from performing basic tasks required in different life situations ( at the restaurant , at the hotel , at the airport ) to more challenging ones ( reviewing a movie or an app , debating on climate change or political issues ).
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