The Application of Task-based Language Teaching Approach in ESP Teaching

Abstract

Task-based Language Teaching (TBLT), originating from the 1980s and emphasizing ”learning by doing” is one form of communicative language teaching approach. Rooted in the development of language learning theories, it has now formed a systematical framework and become a salient topic in second language teaching. In Taiwan, TBLT is also widely adopted with the purpose of providing the learners with opportunities of practice which focus on the ”meaning” rather than on the ”form” of language. TBLT is also applied in ESP teaching. However, many practitioners only have vague ideas of its theoretical basis and practical ways and there is also a lack of empirical studies. So this paper attempts to find the theoretical relationship between TBLT approach and ESP teaching, and introduce practical ways of applying the approach based on the results of a study. A survey is conducted on the application of TBLT in ESP teaching. The results show that most of the subjects think it is necessary to take ESP courses for the future career. And they think TBLT can inspire their learning interests and improve their abilities of using English, too. The practical situation also indicates that TBLT can play a positive role in ESP teaching. Finally, the paper points out some relevant factors in implementing TBLT, such as the teacher's and learners' roles, the assessment of the learners' performance and the context of teaching, which directly or indirectly influence the success of TBLT application in ESP teaching.