Teaching EFL/ESL Reading: A Task Based Approach from Coursera

This course explores ways of teaching reading skills in English as Second and Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) using a task-based approach. You will be introduced to the concept of task and the key principles of task-based language teaching (TBLT) and learning. TBLT uses communicative tasks as the key unit for creating language learning activities. You will also examine the role of reading in real-life and in second and foreign language teaching and current thinking about the interface between TBLT and second language reading. You will explore how TBLT and teaching second language reading can be successfully integrated in practice through analysing task-based reading materials. The course culminates in creating task-based materials for teaching reading in your own language teaching contexts.

After completing the course, you will be able to:

1. Explain the main components and tenets of a task-based approach to teaching language;

2. Explain the main issues involved in teaching reading;

3. Illustrate connections between TBLT approaches and the teaching of reading;

4. Integrate tasks into your own teaching;

5. Identify reading texts that are suitable for the construction of tasks; and

6. Construct reading tasks and sequences for use in your own classroom.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to the Course

Welcome to 'Teaching EFL/ESL Reading: A Task Based Approach!'.

What is Task-based Language Teaching (TBLT)?

Welcome to module 1! In this module we will be looking at some key concepts and issues that surround the role of tasks in second language learning and teaching. First, we will define what we mean by the notion of task. Then, we will consider different task types and the role of tasks in the syllabus. We will also discuss the rationale for using tasks in second language teaching, and how task-based lessons and sequences are typically organized. The module ends with an interview with Dr. Nick Andon from Kings' College London, who is an international expert on task-based language teaching.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops essential reading and teaching skills for educators working with English language learners

Suitable for practicing and aspiring educators who teach English as a foreign or second language

Provides a strong foundation in task-based language teaching and second language reading

Taught by experienced instructors with expertise in ESL/EFL reading instruction

No explicit prerequisites or prior knowledge required, making it accessible to a wide range of learners

May require familiarity with basic reading instruction principles and theories

Reviews summary

Task-based approach to efl/esl reading

According to students, this course provides a solid introduction and practical application of the task-based approach specifically for teaching reading in EFL/ESL contexts. Learners appreciated the clear explanations of TBLT principles and how they apply to reading instruction. The course offers practical guidance on designing reading tasks and integrating language focus effectively. Many found the content directly applicable to their teaching practice, describing the approach as effective and the materials as useful for classroom use. While some found the theoretical grounding strong, others noted that the pace was sometimes slow or desired more examples for specific contexts. Overall, it is seen as a valuable course for educators looking to enhance their reading instruction methods.

Course materials and examples are helpful.

"The examples of task-based reading materials analyzed in the course were very helpful."

"I appreciated the focus on identifying suitable reading texts for task construction."

"The supplementary readings and interviews added valuable perspectives to the core concepts."

Get a clear understanding of task-based teaching.

"The course provided a very clear and concise explanation of what TBLT is and its relevance to reading."

"Understanding the main components and tenets of a task-based approach was well explained."

"The initial modules laid a strong foundation in the principles of task-based learning."

Learn strategies directly applicable to teaching.

"The course gave me concrete ideas and strategies I can implement in my EFL reading classes immediately."

"I found the links between TBLT and second language reading directly applicable to my teaching."

"It helped me think about integrating tasks into my teaching practice effectively."

Learn how to design reading tasks for your class.

"The module on designing reading tasks was incredibly useful; I feel much more confident creating materials now."

"I gained practical strategies for creating task-based reading activities that are engaging and effective."

"Being able to construct reading tasks and sequences for my own classroom is a key takeaway."

Some found the pace slow or wished for more depth.

"While the content was good, some sections felt a bit slow-paced, especially earlier on."

"I was hoping for a little more depth on implementing tasks with very low-level learners."

"The course provides a solid overview, but for experienced teachers, some parts might feel introductory."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Teaching EFL/ESL Reading: A Task Based Approach with these activities:

Complete the Coursera 'Task-Based Language Teaching' quiz

Show steps

Test your understanding of key TBLT concepts and methodologies through this interactive quiz.

Browse courses on Task-Based Language Teaching

Show steps

Access the quiz through the Coursera platform.
Read the instructions carefully and answer each question to the best of your ability.
Review your results and identify areas where you need further clarification.

Show all one activities

Career center

Learners who complete Teaching EFL/ESL Reading: A Task Based Approach will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Associate Professor

An Associate Professor teaches and conducts research at a college or university. This course may be useful as it helps build a foundation in teaching methods and provides insights into the cognitive processes involved in reading. The course also covers how to integrate language focus into reading instruction, which is a key component of teaching reading in a foreign or second language context.

See salaries and explore the career path for Associate Professor

Applied Linguist

An Applied Linguist studies the application of linguistics to real-world problems, such as language teaching and learning. This course may be useful as it provides insights into the cognitive processes involved in reading and how to teach reading effectively. The course also covers how to design and conduct research studies, which is a key skill for Applied Linguists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Applied Linguist

TESOL Teacher

A TESOL Teacher teaches English to speakers of other languages. This course may be useful as it provides insights into the principles of task-based language teaching and how to integrate reading tasks into the curriculum. The course also covers how to assess students' reading skills and how to provide feedback to teachers, which are key skills for TESOL Teachers.

See salaries and explore the career path for TESOL Teacher

Educational Researcher

An Educational Researcher conducts research on education and learning. This course may be useful as it provides insights into the cognitive processes involved in reading and how to teach reading effectively. The course also covers how to design and conduct research studies, which is a key skill for Educational Researchers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Researcher

Reading Interventionist

A Reading Interventionist works with students who have difficulty reading. This course may be useful as it provides insights into the cognitive processes involved in reading and how to teach reading effectively. The course also covers how to assess students' reading skills and how to develop and implement reading interventions, which are key skills for Reading Interventionists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Reading Interventionist

Literacy Coordinator

A Literacy Coordinator oversees the literacy program for a school or district. This course may be useful as it provides insights into the principles of task-based language teaching and how to integrate reading tasks into the curriculum. The course also covers how to assess students' reading skills and how to develop and implement reading interventions, which are key skills for Literacy Coordinators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Literacy Coordinator

ELL Teacher

An ELL Teacher teaches English to students who are not native speakers. This course may be useful as it provides insights into the principles of task-based language teaching and how to integrate reading tasks into the curriculum. The course also covers how to assess students' reading skills and how to provide feedback to teachers, which are key skills for ELL Teachers.

See salaries and explore the career path for ELL Teacher

Teacher of Students with Learning Disabilities

A Teacher of Students with Learning Disabilities works with students who have learning disabilities. This course may be useful as it provides insights into the cognitive processes involved in reading and how to teach reading effectively. The course also covers how to assess students' reading skills and how to develop and implement reading interventions, which are key skills for Teachers of Students with Learning Disabilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher of Students with Learning Disabilities

Instructional Designer

An Instructional Designer designs and develops educational materials, including lesson plans, textbooks, and online courses. This course may be useful as it provides insights into the principles of task-based language teaching and how to integrate reading tasks into the curriculum. The course also covers how to select and modify texts for use in reading instruction, which is a key skill for Instructional Designers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Literacy Coach

A Literacy Coach works with teachers to improve their teaching practices and help students develop their literacy skills. This course may be useful as it provides insights into the principles of task-based language teaching and how to integrate reading tasks into the curriculum. The course also covers how to assess students' reading skills and how to provide feedback to teachers, which are key skills for Literacy Coaches.

See salaries and explore the career path for Literacy Coach

Reading Specialist

A Reading Specialist works with students who have difficulty reading. This course may be useful as it provides insights into the cognitive processes involved in reading and how to teach reading effectively. The course also covers how to assess students' reading skills and how to develop and implement reading interventions, which are key skills for Reading Specialists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Reading Specialist

Language Teacher

A Language Teacher teaches foreign languages to students in a variety of settings, including schools, universities, and private language schools. This course may be useful as it provides insights into the principles of task-based language teaching and how to integrate reading tasks into the curriculum. The course also covers how to assess students' reading skills, which is a key skill for Language Teachers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Language Teacher

Educational Consultant

An Educational Consultant provides advice and support to schools and other educational institutions on a variety of issues, including curriculum development, teaching methods, and assessment. This course may be useful as it provides insights into the principles of task-based language teaching and how to integrate reading tasks into the curriculum. The course also covers how to evaluate the effectiveness of reading instruction, which is a key skill for Educational Consultants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Consultant

Curriculum Developer

A Curriculum Developer designs and develops educational materials, including lesson plans, textbooks, and online courses. This course may be useful as it provides insights into the principles of task-based language teaching and how to integrate reading tasks into the curriculum. The course also covers how to select and modify texts for use in reading instruction, which is a key skill for Curriculum Developers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer

Professor

A Professor teaches and conducts research at a college or university. This course may be useful as it helps build a foundation in teaching methods and provides insights into the cognitive processes involved in reading. The course also covers how to integrate language focus into reading instruction, which is a key component of teaching reading in a foreign or second language context.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor