Task-based language teaching in Confucian-heritage settings: prospects and challenges

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Task-based language teaching (TBLT) falls within the general umbrella of communicative approaches, and can be seen as a methodological realization of the ideas behind CLT (Communicative Language Teaching). Like many innovations, TBLT is of Anglo-American origin. Its suitability for societies influenced by the tenets of Confucianism is sometimes questioned in view of the different teacher and student roles in TBLT, as opposed to those roles in conventional teaching approaches. My position is that TBLT and CLT can work well in Confucian-influenced societies but that there needs to be some adaptations based on the needs of the host context. This can be facilitated by the fact that there are many variations and choices for teachers to select from when they are carrying out TBLT. This is both part of the beauty of TBLT …