Task-based Reading Research Articles

The impact of task guidance on incidental collocation learning from task-based reading

This study explored how to promote incidental collocation learning from task-based reading. In this study, 101 Cantonese speakers read three English texts that contained 12 target collocations. Playing a role as an editor of a magazine, participants were asked to determine if the three texts were acceptable to be published in the next issue. While half of the participants (– Guidance, n = 50) were asked to simply accept or reject the texts after reading, the other half (+ Guidance, n = 51) received task guidance that contained a list of specific reviewing criteria. Participants’ eye-movements were recorded during the editor task, and 10 participants from each condition were asked to produce stimulated recalls while viewing their eye-movements. The rest of the participants’ ( n = 81) knowledge about the target collocations was measured with form recall and recognition tests immediately and two weeks after the task. The results revealed that task guidance led to greater fixation durations and counts on the target collocations, as well as improved performances in the immediate posttest. The stimulated recalls further indicated that task guidance encouraged more goal-oriented reading. The findings underscore the importance of careful task design to promote incidental collocation learning from reading.

Examining readers' use of machine translation through eye tracking

This study examined the use of Google Translate among 50 Japanese learners of English engaged in task-based reading. There was one novel word per paragraph, and the study analyzed the frequency at which the participants accessed machine translation (MT) as opposed to the use of other strategies (e.g., dictionary use). Using eye tracking, it also examined how learners viewed translated paragraphs on MT pages. Finally, the study analyzed the relationship between the MT usage data and reading outcomes (content and vocabulary recall). A sub-group of participants provided both bilingual dictionary and MT access more often used the dictionary than MT. However, participants that were not provided dictionary access tended to be overreliant on MT, using it for irrelevant passages and when clear context cues were present. Eye movement data revealed that most participants read the English text first before checking MT, but some participants rushed to access translations. Participants displayed various strategies when viewing MT. The study found that aiming to work out the meaning from the text first and then checking the translation to search relevant novel lexical items was associated with positive outcomes. Potential implications for L2 education are discussed.

Omani Student’s Awareness and Application of Reading Strategies in the IELTS-Based Reading Exams

Students who know the exam format and the reading strategies of the IELTS or IELTS-based reading exams are at an advantage. They can quickly locate answers that are not explicitly stated in complex texts. Consequently, they get good scores, which help students secure a place in higher education. According to the British Council report, Omani students score below Band 5 in IELTS reading exams. Similarly, not many Omani students score high in the IELTS-based reading exams at the branches of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), Oman. Hence, this study seeks to answer the research questions of whether Omani students studying at level four are aware of the reading exam format and apply general and task-based reading strategies in the IELTS-based reading exams. The study adopted a quantitative research method, and data was collected from students (N=78) studying at level four in the preparatory studies center of UTAS-Ibra. This study is significant because it has implications for students, teachers, and policy-makers. The study findings confirm that students are aware of the exam format and apply general and task-based reading strategies in the IELTS-based reading exams.

The Effects of Using Task-Based Activities to Teach Reading Comprehension via Online Classes

Task-based activities aids the fluency and self-assurance in learning a foreign or second language. This strategy emphasizes giving students practical assignments they must finish in order to learn. In order to increase their overall language ability, students are required to focus on specific language abilities. Researchers and teachers of second and foreign languages have discovered that TBLT can be a helpful teaching and learning method. Investigating how task-based reading instruction affects EFL students' reading proficiency in Kurdistan Region of Iraq schools was the motivation behind carrying out this research. (92) Advanced Kurdish English language learners were the subjects of the study and were randomly allocated to 2 sets: the experimental set and the control set. While the control group engaged in more conventional exercises to hone their reading skills, the experimental group engaged in task-based teaching techniques. In order to gather pre-test and post-test data from students who completed two paper-based IELTS reading test , the researcher created a reading test. Social Research Statistical Package was used to examine the data and determine each student's unique skills and talents. The current study procedure made use of statistic tools, T-test and variation analysis was employed to examine the obtained data. After one month of vocabulary education (February 2023) in which the lessons were delivered for three hours per day, six days per week, the reading test was given. While the experimental group received instruction that relied on pampering the learners with reading comprehension strategies, the control set simply received conventional direction. The analysis of data showed that, at every single level of the Subsequent testing reading skills, there was a considerable variance between the mean scores of the 2 sets, favoring the experimental set. The researcher makes several recommendations in light of those findings that are intended to be useful for ELT, supervisors, and syllabus designers.

The Outcomes and Interplay of Vocabulary Coping Strategies and Dictionary Skills in Task-Based Reading: An Eye Tracking Study

AbstractThis research utilised eye tracking to examine the vocabulary coping strategies and dictionary skills of Japanese English learners in task-based reading. Participants had access to an online dictionary with four definitions per word, including three inapplicable definitions. The interplay and outcomes of reading strategies and dictionary skills were investigated. The research found that performance was not statistically different compared to previous research where participants had access to a dictionary with only the applicable definition. Given the more difficult dictionary, participants more often made regressions to investigate the context in the text, but they did not reduce their dictionary use. Most participants lacked strategic competence while reading, but they demonstrated competence in dictionary skills. In rare instances of failed dictionary use, readers usually had not inspected the context cues in the text. For task-relevant words, participants who re-read context cues and then used the dictionary performed better. Implications for educators and materials developers are discussed.

Towards a More Effective Second Language Writing Pedagogy: Using Task-based Reading to Develop Writing Skills of ESL Learners

The connection between reading and writing has been acknowledged since long and explored through comprehension-based learning activities but not investigated substantially through empirical research into task-based reading activities. This study was carried out to explore the link between task-based reading activities and improvement in ESL writing. The study was prompted by the need to inculcate the maximum level of writing proficiency in a limited time available for instruction in a 4 month semester. We experimented with introducing task-based critical reading to explore its impact on the ESL writing proficiency of Pakistani ESL learners at the undergraduate level with Computer Science as their major. Analyzing students’ pre-test and post-test scores using Wilcoxon signed-rank test and t-test revealed a significant improvement in the overall writing proficiency, content, organization, sentence structure (SS), grammar, punctuation, and spelling (GPS) of students. The findings have important pedagogical implications for improving the learners’ writing proficiency by integrating task-based reading activities in ESL teaching. The article also suggests some of the tasks that teachers can associate with reading in classrooms. It recommends making authentic reading material part of the ESL syllabus everywhere in the world in order to equip learners with better writing skills essential for success in all subjects, higher studies, and research. Keywords: Task-based language learning; proficiency; motivation; schemata; fluency; process-oriented approach; second language writing development

The use of realia and authentic materials in task-based reading activities

In recent years, many researchers have been paying more and more attention to developing a methodology for teaching a foreign language using realia (real objects) and authentic materials: newspapers, television, internet, and technology in teaching English as a foreign language. Authentic materials are borrowed from the everyday and professional life of native speakers and carrying reliable linguistic and cultural information in the field of the studied profession, in particular, include news articles. Realia can include things like photographs, garments, and kitchen objects. Obviously, real objects will allow activities to increase the motivation of students, to contribute to the fulfillment of the task. This article discusses the use of realia and authentic materials in task-based reading activities.

Investigating the effect of textual enhancement in post-reading tasks on grammatical development by child language learners

This study examined the extent to which textual enhancement incorporated into the post-task stage of task-based reading lessons can promote development in second language (L2) grammatical knowledge. The participants were 49 child language learners who participated in task-based reading lessons in their own classroom contexts. They were randomly assigned to two groups, one being exposed to textual enhancement and the other not. The experiment adopted a multiple-exposure design involving six treatment sessions over three weeks. The target construction was the third person singular -s morpheme. Pretest-posttest development was assessed with a grammaticality judgement test. The results revealed a small but positive effect for textual enhancement. We attributed the relative success of textual enhancement to a combination of factors: use of a multiple-exposure design, the incorporation of textual enhancement into the post-task rather than the during-task stage, age of participants, and prior knowledge.

Incorporating reading circles into a task-based EAP reading scheme

AbstractThis study explored how reading circles (RCs) can be incorporated into a task-based reading curriculum in academic classroom settings. It investigated students’ perceptions of academic RC tasks and examined their effectiveness in improving students’ reading abilities and critical thinking skills. Twenty-six EFL university students majoring in Business English participated in the study. They were asked to read English business journal articles weekly, assigned different roles and tasks to complete, and given opportunities to share interpretations in class. Data were collected from questionnaires, interviews, students’ reflective journals, reading proficiency tests, and weekly homework. The results show that students held quite positive attitudes toward RC tasks in academic contexts and confirmed their effectiveness in enhancing their reading abilities and critical thinking skills through a collaborative learning process. Such a reading scheme has been proved to be a pedagogically appropriate approach for language development in academic contexts.

“Internet Plus” Application in Junior Middle School English Reading Teaching—Take Zunyi No. 11 Middle School as an Example

In the context of "Internet Plus", how to teach English reading is very important. In this era of Internet development, how to use "Internet Plus" in junior middle school English reading teaching is also very important. This paper takes the students of No.11 middle school of Zunyi city as the research objects to conduct a questionnaire survey. After the survey and data analysis, it concludes that there are many problems in English reading teaching in the middle school. One is to ignore students' subjectivity; Second, the teaching mode is simple and traditional; Third, students' poor reading ability and lack of reading enthusiasm; Fourth, examination-oriented English reading teaching ignores the cultivation of students' reading ability. Finally, according to the existing problems, the application of "Internet Plus" in English reading teaching provides enlightenment and suggestions for junior middle school English reading teaching. First, access to useful reading resources through "Internet plus"; second, to conduct situational interactive learning through "Internet plus"; third, the integration of reading resources; Fourth, make use of the "Internet plus" new reading teaching mode; fifth, cultivate students' reading interest through "Internet plus"; finally, teachers carry out task-based reading teaching effectively. This paper has certain research significance, and the proposed solutions can be used to guide junior middle school English reading teaching.

Fostering Language Learning in the University EFL Classroom through Literature: A Task-Based Approach

The role of literature as a teaching and learning tool in English as a Foreign Language has long been acknowledged. Literary texts offer teachers opportunities to provide students with authentic materials to heighten their motivation by involving them in challenging Task-Based activities in which they interact with authors and learn about features of these authors’ society. The purpose of this research study was to investigate the role of literature as a pedagogical tool in the EFL class and see how this can be advantageous in fostering learners’ language skills and intercultural awareness. The sample population encompassed 26 sixth-semester students enrolled in a Reading course who are completing their BA in Foreign Languages at a public University in Colombia. A semi-structured questionnaire and a Reading Guide were designed to elicit information from students who were asked to read an unabridged English language fiction novel. The findings show that the participants’ motivation to complete the Task-Based Reading and Writing Project was high as well as their language skills. Keywords. EFL, ESL, Task-Based Approach, Literature, intercultural Communicative Competence

The Effect of Task-based Reading Activities on Vocabulary Learning and Retention of Iranian EFL Learners

Task–based reading activities are of crucial value today, and consequently learners’ proficiency is more important than their abstract knowledge of language rules. It seems that learners’ familiarity with task-based reading activities may increase learners’ proficiency. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of task-based reading activities such as text completion and pupil generated questions on vocabulary learning and retention of Iranian intermediate EFL learners. To conduct the study, three intact classes of learners who had already finished Top Notch Fundamental A and B (Saslow & Ausher, 2011) in previous semesters in an English language institute were selected as the participants of the study. To ensure the homogeneity of the participants, those who got a score between 30-47 from the total score of 60 in OPT were selected as the intermediate level for main participants of the study (N=47). As the data were normally distributed, one way ANOVA and repeated measure ANOVA were employed for the statistical analyses of the study. The findings indicated that using task-based reading activities such as text completion and pupil-generated questions has significant and meaningful impacts on Iranian EFL learners’ vocabulary learning and retention. The implementations of the study are discussed.

Exploring Relationships Between Field (In)dependence, Multiple Intelligences, and L2 Reading Performance Among Iranian L2 Learners

L2 learners’ individual differences are crucial factors that deserve attention in L2 education. Focusing on 2 main areas of individual differences (i.e., field (in)dependence and multiple intelligences), this study explored their relationships with L2 reading performance. Participants were 64 TEFL undergraduates and postgraduates. To assess the participats’ degree of field (in)dependence and multiple intelligences profiles, GEFT (Witkin, Oltman, Raskin, & Karp, 1971) and McKenzie’s Multiple Intelligences Inventory (1999) were administered, respectively, and their L2 reading performance was assessed through a task-based reading test (Salmani-Nodoushan, 2003), which measures performance on 5 reading tasks of true-false, sentence completion, outlining, elicitation of writer’s views, and scanning. Data were quantitatively analyzed using Pearson product-moment correlation. Results revealed significant positive relationships between field independence and performance on the 4 reading tasks of true-false, sentence completion, outlining, and scanning. Moreover, intrapersonal intelligence was found to correlate significantly and positively with the scanning performance.

A Generalizability Theory Study on the Assessment of Task-Based Reading Performance

A Generalizability Theory Study on the Assessment of Task-Based Reading Performance

The Development of Learning Material of Nursery English Through Task Based Activities

This research is aiming at 1) to know the existing phenomena of teaching and learning reading material of English for Nursery Purposes, 2) to find out kinds of reading materials of English for Nursery Purposes are needed by the students at STIKES Sari Mutiara, and 3) to find out a task-based learning reading materials of English for Nursery Purposes design. The research method used is research and development (R&D). The sources of the data are the students, the alumni, and the stakeholders whereas The targeted clients are the students of semester IV STKIES Sari Mutiara Medan. The instrument for collecting data are questionairre, documentation, and in depht interview. The data are analyzed by descriptive analysis.The results show that 1) in general the teaching learning is not optimal yet, particularly the learning materials are not relevant to the students and stakeholders’ need even the adequacy and availability are relatively adequate and available. 2) The students’ need in line with teaching learning reading is oriented in a student center learning, task activities, authentic reading materials, and strucutured essay test. and 3) the physical structure of learning materials consists of the following sections that is Preview, Getting Started, Orientation, Assessment, Related vocabulary Usages. Key Words: Reading Learning Material; Task based learning; and Nursery English

The Development of Learning Material of Nursery English Through Task Based Activities

This research is aiming at 1) to know the existing phenomena of teaching and learning reading material of English for Nursery Purposes, 2) to find out kinds of reading materials of English for Nursery Purposes are needed by the students at STIKES Sari Mutiara, and 3) to find out a task-based learning reading materials of English for Nursery Purposes design. The research method used is research and development (R&D). The sources of the data are the students, the alumni, and the stakeholders whereas The targeted clients are the students of semester IV STKIES Sari Mutiara Medan. The instrument for collecting data are questionairre, documentation, and in depht interview. The data are analyzed by descriptive analysis.The results show that 1) in general the teaching learning is not optimal yet, particularly the learning materials are not relevant to the students and stakeholders’ need even the adequacy and availability are relatively adequate and available. 2) The students’ need in line with teaching learning reading is oriented in a student center learning, task activities, authentic reading materials, and strucutured essay test. and 3) the physical structure of learning materials consists of the following sections that is Preview, Getting Started, Orientation, Assessment, Related vocabulary Usages. Key Words: Reading Learning Material; Task based learning; and Nursery English

Enhancing Reading Comprehension of Iranian Advanced EFL Learners through Task-based Reading Activities

Language learning has experienced a shift of focus from a form-focused to a meaning-focused approach, and the necessity of using task-based learning, a relatively recent approach, has emerged. The vital role of task-based materials makes it obligatory not to exclude them from the language learning syllabi. The current study aims at investigating whether task-based reading can contribute significantly to the development of reading comprehension of Iranian advanced EFL learners of English. An experimental study was carried out in order to scrutinize the applicability of task-based language teaching. To this end, 60 female advanced EFL learners, selected from among a pool of 100 learners, were assigned equally and randomly into two groups of thirty, consisting of an experimental and a control group. The selection of the participants was based on the results of a standard and piloted version of Paper-based TOEFL. The participant’s mean age was about 23, ranging from 20 to 27 years of age. Both groups received a pretest and a post-test of reading. During the treatment period the experimental group received task-based reading activities while the control group received reading instructions through traditional methods. The impact of the treatment upon the reading comprehension ability of the participants was analyzed through an independent-samples t-test, and comparisons between groups were made. The results clearly indicated the development of reading comprehension ability of the participants in the first group (the experimental group) through the application of task-based reading activities.

Type of Test-Taking Strategies and Task-Based Reading Assessment: A Case in Iranian EFL Learners

This study examined the effect of task-based assessment on the type of test-taking strategies that three proficiency groups of Iranian adult EFL learners used when completing a task-based reading paper. A total of 70 EFL university undergraduates (53 females and 17 males) took part in the study. They were divided into three proficiency groups: high, intermediate and low. A set of Chi-square analyses was used to explore the type of test-taking strategies they used. The findings revealed that a pattern could be drawn of the type of strategies used by the three proficiency groups. Nonetheless, such a pattern shifted at times depending on the ability of the test takers and/or the tasks under study.

Is Field Dependence or Independence a Predictor of EFL Reading Performance?

In this study it was hypothesized that field dependence or independence would introduce systematic variance into Iranian EFL learners' overall and task-specific performance on task-based reading comprehension tests. One thousand, seven hundred, forty-three freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior students, all majoring in English at various Iranian universities and colleges, took the Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT). The resulting 582 field-independent (FI) and 707 field-dependent (FD) students then took the 1990 version of the IELTS. Using SPSS commands for collapsing continuous variables into groups and participants’ IELTS scores (based on the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles), four proficiency groups were identified for each cognitive style. From each proficiency group, 36 FD and 36 FI individuals were selected through a matching process. The resulting sample of 288 participants took the Task-Based Reading Test (TBRT) designed for the study. Data analysis revealed that individuals’ cognitive styles resulted in a significant difference in their overall test performance in the proficient, semiproficient, and fairly proficient groups, but not in the low-proficient group. The findings also indicated that cognitive style resulted in a significant difference in participants' performance on true-false, sentence completion, outlining, scanning, and elicitation tasks in all proficiency groups.

The Effect of Task-Based Reading on Fl Vocabulary Learning

AbstractThere is growing evidence that incidental vocabulary learning from extensive reading may not be a very efficient or effective means of acquiring L2 vocabulary, at least in the short-term. This study investigates the effect on FL vocabulary learning of secondary school EFL students completing four task-based reading texts under two procedurally contrasted conditions: either with teacher support or with peer collaborative support. The students, in two genuine classes, read two short texts in each condition as normal timetabled activities, partly for ethical and partly for technical reasons. This is one of a few studies that have researched FL vocabulary acquisition from a number of different texts over time, and within a task-based framework. Four texts in English with both nonlinguistic and linguistic check tasks were read in total, and thirty-two vocabulary items were targeted. On the delayed L2-L1 translation recognition posttest of the targeted vocabulary items, the scores for the teacher-supported conditions were double those for the peer-supported conditions, but in both cases the scores were disappointingly low.