Teaching English through tasks

Abstract

This dissertation sets out to assess the usefulness of a task-based approach to the teaching of English to underachievers. This study deals with underachievement through an innovative methodology. The methodology used is that of a task-based approach. The tasks and activities comprising this methodology are based upon the element of fun and games, which as many claim, enhances motivation and promotes effective 12 learning. The purpose of this study is to see whether a task-based approach leads to effective learning, which in tum would lead to improvement in the underachiever's part. The study consisted in an intervention programme (based on a series of lessons that fall under the category of a task-based approach) as well as a comparison between the children's effort in the initial and final tests. The focus was on seven children attending the Primary School of Nadur in Gozo and the study took place during the 1993 Summer workphase.