Task-based Language Learning (TBLL)

Another interesting method we have had the chance to learn about in class is Task-based Language Learning (TBLL). We have seen that this method has been applied in Montessori schools, where children spend three hours per day engaged in individual learning activities that they choose freely following their interest. The teacher introduces each activity and explains how the materials should be used, and after that the child is free to use it.

Montessori schools were concerned that their methodology didn't encourage foreign language production when it was applied to learning English, as children were mainly engaged in individual activities. Therefore, they have designed tasks that require information exchange and lead to closed outcomes in order to increase the production of meaningful outcome in children when they learn a foreign language. That kind of activities are very adequate to use during free circulation, or whenever the teacher wishes to have children conducting exercises in pairs or small groups without the teacher's continued supervision.

We have been able to integrate two of the proposals in our project, and we think they are very interesting, because not only can children carry them on their own, but the can also assess how well they performed, as the exercises are self-assessed.