Sessions

A Universal Rubric for Task Outcome Assessment

This workshop introduces a universal assessment rubric for teachers to easily grade speaking, writing, or mixed-skills task performance in the classroom. The tool conforms to TBLT assessment principles, has high validity and inter-rater reliability, and allows for instructional feedback. It is compatible with all language descriptor systems, and can be applied to a wide range of communicative tasks at any level. Participants will receive a copy of the tool and practical training in its use.

Widgets Inc.: Task-Based Workplace English Course

This workshop demonstrates important principles in “strong” task-based and project-based instruction, using content from the 2019 ELTons award-winning course, Widgets Inc. 2nd Edition (Atama-ii Books). Teachers interested in TBLT, action-oriented approach, task-based syllabus design, task-outcome assessment, the communicative approach, a task complexity syllabus, and themed instruction will benefit. Get practical and pedagogically-sound ideas on how to target creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving through group discussions, presentations, interviews, self- and peer-evaluation. Presented by the author.

TBLT Online Using Moodle and Zoom

This paper presents insights gained through the online implementation of two task-based courses taught in spring 2020. One course was on genre reading (detective fiction) and the other on workplace communication. Both represent a “strong” approach to TBLT and assessment. The courses were delivered synchronously via Zoom and asynchronously using Moodle. In each case a high number of platform-related successes and some limitations were identified. Suggestions for developing future online TBLT courses will be provided.