1. Task Based Learning and learning circles A social constructivist approach to language learning MySN in context

2. What is Task Based Learning? Task-based language learning (TBLL) is a method of instruction in the field of language acquisition. Task-based language learning (TBLL) is a method of instruction in the field of language acquisition. It focuses on the use of authentic language, and to students doing meaningful tasks using the target language; for example, visiting the doctor, conducting an interview, or calling customer services for help. It focuses on the use of authentic language, and to students doing meaningful tasks using the target language; for example, visiting the doctor, conducting an interview, or calling customer services for help. Assessment is primarily based on task outcome (ie: the appropriate completion of tasks) rather than simply accuracy of language forms. This makes TBLL especially popular for developing target language fluency and student confidence Assessment is primarily based on task outcome (ie: the appropriate completion of tasks) rather than simply accuracy of language forms. This makes TBLL especially popular for developing target language fluency and student confidence

3. Why use TBL? (1) Learners need regular exposure to the target language in meaningful social (communicative) contexts. They need a lot of comprehensible language input. (1) Learners need regular exposure to the target language in meaningful social (communicative) contexts. They need a lot of comprehensible language input. (2) Learners need frequent opportunity for the active use of the target language in communicative situations. They must learn to produce comprehensible output. (2) Learners need frequent opportunity for the active use of the target language in communicative situations. They must learn to produce comprehensible output. (3) Learners need a strong motivation for language learning for else they will not make the long and sustained efforts needed for coming to grips with the lexical and grammatical system of the target language. (3) Learners need a strong motivation for language learning for else they will not make the long and sustained efforts needed for coming to grips with the lexical and grammatical system of the target language. (4) Well-timed instruction in form and content to help a learner take the next step in her/his language acquisition process. (4) Well-timed instruction in form and content to help a learner take the next step in her/his language acquisition process.

4. The role of the teacher.. Compared to traditional form oriented approaches which divide the learning process into the three or four phases (warming-up) -presentation – practice – production e.g. the PPP-Model and Neuner), in TBL the role of the teacher changes from that of an instructor and prosecutor of errors to that of a supporter and inventor of tasks which her/his learners enjoy doing. Compared to traditional form oriented approaches which divide the learning process into the three or four phases (warming-up) -presentation – practice – production e.g. the PPP-Model and Neuner), in TBL the role of the teacher changes from that of an instructor and prosecutor of errors to that of a supporter and inventor of tasks which her/his learners enjoy doing. It proved useful to divide the learning process in TBL in three phases: The pre-task phase, the the doing of the task, and the post-task phase. Taken together they form a task cycle. The major role (task) of the teacher changes from phase to phase. It also has a different focus in work with beginners than in work with advanced students. It proved useful to divide the learning process in TBL in three phases: The pre-task phase, the the doing of the task, and the post-task phase. Taken together they form a task cycle. The major role (task) of the teacher changes from phase to phase. It also has a different focus in work with beginners than in work with advanced students.task cycletask cycle

5. Some examples… Language village (The Netherlands) Language village (The Netherlands) Language village Language village Language camps (Vietnam) Language camps (Vietnam)camps (Vietnam)camps (Vietnam) SpeakUp (developed by Dutch students) SpeakUp (developed by Dutch students) Museum Project Museum Project Excursion BaBe Excursion BaBe MySN (TBL in the context of a learning circle) MySN (TBL in the context of a learning circle) MySN

7. What is a learning circle? Learning Circles are highly interactive, project-based partnerships among a small number of schools located throughout the world Learning Circles are highly interactive, project-based partnerships among a small number of schools located throughout the world In a Learning Circle learners share their knowledge and experience, learn new information and apply and test new skills. In a Learning Circle learners share their knowledge and experience, learn new information and apply and test new skills.

8. Why use a Learning Circle? A Learning Circle makes learning more efficient, since reports, demonstrations and learning experience are shared among the members of the circle. A Learning Circle makes learning more efficient, since reports, demonstrations and learning experience are shared among the members of the circle. A Learning Circle provides an interactive learning situation. Teaching and training involve communication with people, and it is difficult to develop skills without a group of people to offer constructive criticism. A Learning Circle provides an interactive learning situation. Teaching and training involve communication with people, and it is difficult to develop skills without a group of people to offer constructive criticism. A Learning Circle gives essential feedback to learners from colleagues who are working on the same body of skills and information, and whose suggestions on techniques and resources are hence particularly valuable. A Learning Circle gives essential feedback to learners from colleagues who are working on the same body of skills and information, and whose suggestions on techniques and resources are hence particularly valuable. A Learning Circle offers the opportunity to organize events, workshops for which numbers of people are necessary A Learning Circle offers the opportunity to organize events, workshops for which numbers of people are necessary

9. Operative principle of MySN Step 1 : selection event Step 2 : invitation partner schools Step 3 : briefing of pupils Step 4 : events under construction Step 5 : publishing events Step 6: activities and feedback Step 7 : voting for the winner

10. What role can TUE (teachers and students) play in the process? Step 1 : Step 1 : Step 2 : Step 2 : Step 3 : Step 3 : Step 4: Step 4: Step 5 : Step 5 : Step 6 : Step 6 : Step 7 : Step 7 :

11. Assigment learning circle Design the basic thema for a learning circle for your own subject. Design the basic thema for a learning circle for your own subject. Learning Circles are highly interactive, project- based partnerships among a small number of schools located throughout the world Learning Circles are highly interactive, project- based partnerships among a small number of schools located throughout the world In a Learning Circle learners share their knowledge and experience, learn new information and apply and test new skills. In a Learning Circle learners share their knowledge and experience, learn new information and apply and test new skills.

12. Statement : From now on a learning circle is an integral part of the curriculum Advantages LC Advantages LC Disadvantages LC Disadvantages LC

13. Conclusions Tbl Tbl Learning circles Learning circles