Effective Task Management

Prepared by : Mr. M. ACHAHRAR

Supervised by : Dr. M. AKKOUCH
Effective Task Management

Outline
1. Task : Concept defining
2. Components of a communicative task
3. Features of tasks for 2nd language learning
(V. Samuda)
4. Steps to follow when designing a task
5. J. Willis’s model
6. Task evaluation
7. Wrap-up
Effective Task Management
1. Task : Concept defining
« An activity which requires learners to arrive at an outcome from
given information through some process of thought and which
allows teachers to control and regulate that process »
(Prabhu, 1987)

« A classroom undertaking where the target language is used by

the learner for a communicative purpose in order to achieve
an outcome » (Willis, 1996)

« A piece of classroom work that involves learners in

comprehending , manipulating, producing or interacting in the
target language while their attention is focused on mobilizing
their grammatical knowledge in order to express meaning »
(Nunan, 2004)
Effective Task Management
2. Components of a communicative
task
o Goals
o Input
o Procedures
o Teacher/students roles
o Settings
Effective Task Management
3. Features of tasks for 2nd language learning (V.
Samuda)
The task :
o is holistic : It allows students to use their knowledge to carry out the task.
o has a meaningful outcome :
Students are required to produce a written/spoken response by the end of the task.
o depends on input material and teacher’s instructions
o involves processes :
Language used – organising work – distributing subtasks – monitoring progress –
identifying and sharing information …
o Is made up of different phases : 1. search for information in the input
2. exchange of opinions and ideas related to the information
3. synthesis based on the demands of the task
o has a purpose : what aspects of language are targeted
o Can be affected by the conditions under which it is implemented : time pressure,
attitudes of students, their level of proficiency, class atmosphere … etc
Effective Task Management
4. Steps to follow when designing a task

o Setting the objectives

o Selecting and creating input for learners
o Considering the teacher and learners roles
o Deciding on learner configurations
 Effective Task Management
5. Willis’s model
Willis proposes the following sequence of activities :
Pretask activities
Introduction to topic and task
 T helps Ss understand the theme and objectives of the
task by brainstorming ideas, using pictures …
 Ss are given preparation time to do the task.
Task
 The task is done by Ss in pairs or in groups.
 T walks around and monitors.
Report
 The representative of each group report their findings to
the whole class.
 T chairs and comments on the content of the reports.
Effective Task Management
Language focus :
Analysis :
 Ss read a text and find all words in the simple past form,
 T goes around to help,
 Each pair/group present their findings,
 T writes the relevant language on the board,
 Ss make notes.
Practice :
Practice activities can include :
 Repetition of the phrases to check pronunciation,
 Sentence completion,
 Matching excercices
Effective Task Management
6. Task evaluation
Checklist:
1. To what extent are the task goals obvious to you and to
your students?
2. Is the task appropriate to the students’ proficiency level?
3. Is the task interesting and motivating for them?
4. Does it allow them to communicate and cooperate in
groups?
5. Is the input authentic?
6. Are the procedures appropriate to the goals of the task?
7. What teacher and learner roles are inherent in the task?
8. Are the macroskills integrated ?
9. Does anything unexpected occur as the task is being
carried out?
Effective Task Management
7. Wrap-up
An effective learning task should:
 have clear objectives,
 engage learners in all the task stages,
 involve learners in sharing information, solving a
problem, and coming to a conclusion,
 Require the use of more than one macroskill,
 be suitable for mixed ability groups,
 allow learners to rehearse, in class,
communicative skills they will need in the real
world.
THANK YOU