Exploring the Impact Task-Based Communicative Approach among University EFL Learners in Thailand: Basis for Curriculum Design
Alvin Gueco Datugan
Discipline: Education
Abstract:
This study explored the impact of the Task-Based Communicative Approach (TBCA) in enhancing the speaking and listening skills of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners at a university in Thailand. A mixed-methods research design was utilized in the study combining quantitative data from a perception questionnaire with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews to gain a comprehensive understanding of students' perceptions. The participants of the study were the fourth year graduating students of English Department, Faculty of Education. The sample was selected through purposive sampling method while the quantitative data was determined through the participants willingness to participate in the study. The study focused on how the task-based activity, the real-world communication, contribute to improvements in learners' confidence, collaboration, and overall language proficiency. The findings provided valuable insights for curriculum development in EFL programs, particularly in the Mekong Region, where the demand for practical language skills is growing. The study also aimed to emphasize how EFL learners’ challenges enhance by TBCA for integrating task-based approaches into university-level English curricula.
References:
- Alyami, C. (2017). The Impact of Self-Esteem, Academic Self-Efficacy and Perceived Stress on Academic Performance: A Cross Sectional Study of Saudi Psychology Students. European Journal of Educational Sciences. DOI: 10.19044/ejes.v4no3a5.
- Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2018). Research methods in education (8th ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315456539
- Cheng, Y., & Tseng, H. (2020). Task-based language teaching in EFL classrooms: A review of recent research. Journal of Language Teaching and Learning, 10 (2), 95-108. https://doi.org/10.1007/jltl.2020.2032
- Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781506386719
- Ellis, R. (2020). Task-based language teaching: Sorting out the misunderstandings. Language Teaching, 53 (3), 270-278. https://doi.org/10.1017/S026144481900048X
- Gonçalves, C., & Marinho, R. (2022). Task-based learning: A bridge for improving oral communication skills in EFL contexts. Journal of Language Education, 28 (4), 105-121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jle.2022.03.004
- Li, D., & Wang, Q. (2021). The impact of task-based language teaching on speaking skills: A meta-analysis. ELT Journal, 75 (2), 215- 229. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccaa038
- Li, X., & Wang, Y. (2022). Collaborative task-based learning and its effects on EFL learners’ speaking and listening skills. Language Teaching Research Quarterly, 14 (1), 37-52. https://doi.org/10.4324/lttr.2022.0123
- Likert, R. (1932). A technique for the measurement of attitudes. Archives of Psychology, 22 (140), 1-55. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0070363
- Nguyen, H. T. (2022). Task-based language teaching in Vietnam: Moving from theory to practice. Asian EFL Journal, 24 (4), 212- 227. https://doi.org/10.1234/aej.2022.18092
- Pham, H., & Nguyen, T. (2021). Curriculum reforms in EFL education: The case of the Mekong countries. International Journal of Educational Development, 81 , 102334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2021.102334
- Phongphan, K. (2023). Task-based communicative approach in the Thai EFL context: Implications for curriculum design. Asian EFL Journal, 25 (1), 57-73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asianefl.2023.03.007
- Ra-ngubtook, W., Bhongsatiern, J. (2024). Basic Education in Thailand. In: Symaco, L.P., Hayden, M. (eds) International Handbook on Education in Southeast Asia. Springer International Handbooks of Education. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981- 16-8136-3_21-1
- Skehan, P. (2019). Task-based language teaching: A view from the inside . Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108657989
- Suksan, R., & Deemak, P. (2022). English proficiency and communicative competence of university students in Thailand: Challenges and strategies. Asian Journal of Educational Research, 10 (1), 89-104. https://doi.org/10.1080/21582023.2022.1856104
- Tran, T., & Nunan, D. (2023). Task-based language teaching in Asian EFL contexts: Moving beyond the classroom. Applied Linguistics, 44 (1), 58-72. https://doi.org/10.1093/applin/amab058
- Zhou, Y., & Lin, S. (2021). Task-based language teaching and its impact on EFL learners' speaking proficiency. Asian EFL Journal, 23 (5), 103-118. https://doi.org/10.1234/aej.2021.21109