Discussion Topics

Topic one - Task Based Language Learning

Abbreviated as TBLT, task based language learning is defined as a form of learning process in language where the language is learned through assigning tasks and activities to the various concepts being learned. This form of language teaching is distinguished from the other forms of learning through its take on words and sounds. While other forms of teaching are focused on ensuring the various words and sounds are memorized, this type of learning is unique as it engages the learner in a learning process that is shaped up by activities and real world problems. In the process of developing communicative language lessons, one of the most important things to take into consideration is the transition and progress presented in the various learning activities. The lessons were interesting from start to finish as they incorporated some of the common events shaping up day to day life. Activities such as narrating an experience, applying for a new job, making new friends, and designing an advertisement were some of the learning tasks in the course of the TBLT experience. Learning through this approach was designed to take place in three steps. These were the pre-task phase, followed by the task cycle, and finally the language focus phase. The tasks were designed to not only induce implicit learning, but also explicit learning goals. The learning tasks were also designed in to ensure that there was maximum imploration of the various verbal and nonverbal input data. Such included the elements that shape up discussions and descriptions. The students were expected to solve the various communicative problems that arose in the course of learning the target language. The teacher’s role during the learning process included monitoring and co-ordination. In the language focus phase, the various students were expected to not only practice, but also critique the language forms they had learned. The stage was also characterized by activities aimed at making the students more active – student centered - and the teacher more passive in the course of the learning processes. The learning processes involved activities that were set to provoke the students to not only play active roles in the discovering and processing of knowledge, but also in the processing of the knowledge so learned. One thing was evident throughout the various learning activities; the students were expected to actively engage in learning through involving themselves in entirely different mental processes as they learn on who to compose their thoughts as well as expressing them effectively.

Topic two – Wikispaces

            Wikispaces classroom is one of the most common social education and writing platforms through which learning activities take place. Here, there are tools and techniques designed to ensure that there is provision for a fully functional virtual classroom. The tools therein provide for a classroom workspace where normal and project learning activities can take place. Tests and assessments can also be conducted in this setting and there are familiar communication tools that ensure working can take place in both the private and public settings. Teachers have been provided with the relevant tools through which they can oversee the activities of a classroom in a convenient and friendly manner. Students have been provided with flexibility options through which they learn effectively and engage each other in discussions. There are audio and visual enhancements set to ensure that the classroom remains as effective and interesting as it can be.