On Task-based Language Teaching In Southwest China

Task-based language teaching is recommended by The National English LanguageCurriculum Standards for secondary schools issued in July of2001. Nevertheless, as an“imported teaching approach”, there is still much trouble in its implementation. Some studies(Chen,2011) show that it succeeded in conducting in developed coastal cities like Shenzhen.How is the application in underdeveloped districts like southwest China?Based on the questionnaire and interview for learners and teachers, this thesis is going toinvestigate the application to TBLT in Dayi middle school in Sichuan province. The strengthand the weakness and the factors which affect the implementation of TBLT will be explored,and contradiction between the current evaluation system and the requests of TBLT will beexcavated. Finally some suggestion on the evaluation will be given outThe investigation shows that: based on the development of local economy and education,the distinguishing TBLT mode which combined the strong points of TBLT with theadvantages of Chinese local English teaching mode together has been grouped in practice.This creative teaching mode focuses on cooperative learning in group work. It is nearly3years since TBLT has been conducted in Dayi middle school, whose students’ overall qualitygreatly improved.The advantages of the practice of TBLT in Dayi middle school are as the following:opportunities for learners to communicate with others in target language are provided by tasks;the real materials are used in teaching activities; learners’ learning interests are inspired; theuseful learning strategies are explored in the process of learning; learners pay more attentionto learning process, which is helpful for them to develop autonomic learning ability; theability of leadership and cooperation are cultivated through small group work; healthy outlookon life and active attitudes are nurtured in the teaching process.The investigation shows that the contradiction between the current evaluation system andthe requests of TBLT hinges the implication of TBLT. Based on The National EnglishLanguage Curriculum Standards for secondary schools (2001,2007)(short for Standard),Some suggestions for the current evaluation system for Dayi middle school are as following:According to the standard, learners should take part in the assessment, who also wouldbe encouraged to write learning journals; learners’ learning process should be paid moreattention to; the combination between formative assessment and summative assessmentshould be adopted; during the process of formative assessment, the parameters is flexible interms with teaching contents and teaching objectives; The emphasis of the formativeassessment should be laid on the progress of learners which help learners concentrate on themselves’ learning, enable learners to attain learning strategies which is helpful fordeveloping autonomic learning ability; consequently, achieve the ability of sustainablelearning and lifelong learning.