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.

What is Reading and What Does It Involve?

Welcome to module 2! In this module we examine reading from a number of angles. We start by examining the cognitive element of reading. The second angle we examine reading from is reading as a communicative activity, and its links with communicative language teaching. We then look at reading as a strategic activity, and at the links between reading and background knowledge, and look at the way in which background knowledge is needed in order to understand three specific texts. We end by discussing ways of developing reading fluency.

Teaching Reading in the Second Language Classroom

Welcome to module 3! In this module we will be thinking about the ways in which we teach reading in the foreign and second language classroom. We start by comparing the ways in which we read outside the classroom and the ways in which we ask our learners to reading in the classroom. We think about principles for reading in the communicative language classroom and about the implications of these principles. We go on to consider the three-phase reading lesson and look closely at an example of such a lesson, and then look at other ways in which we can construct reading lessons, focusing on the way in which we can incorporate tasks into such lessons. We end with an interview with Prof. Cathie Wallace, who talks about her research into reading classrooms.

Focus on Language in the Reading Lesson

Welcome to module 4! In this module we will be looking at how a focus on language, such as grammar and vocabulary, can be integrated into task-based reading sequences. First, we will consider some of the options available in terms of the stages of the task-based reading lesson. Next, we will look at each stage in more detail. We will discuss the usefulness of pre-teaching vocabulary. We will examine how a focus on language can be incorporated at the while-reading stage. In particular, we will review research on two textual modification techniques, glossing and textual input enhancement. We will also reflect on ways of selecting linguistic features for language-focused work in the post-reading phase. The module ends with an interview with Dr. Parvaneh Tavakoli, a well-known researcher working on task-based language teaching.

Extensive Reading

Welcome to module 5! In this module we move away from the intensive teaching of reading in the classroom to working with learners on extensive reading. We define extensive reading and look at the main principles of using extensive reading. We discuss the benefits of extensive reading programmes, as well as the way in which extensive reading can be linked to task based language teaching. We end with an interview with Dr. Sam Duncan in which she talks about her experience of running a reading circle with a group of adult literacy and ESOL learners.

Designing Reading Tasks

Welcome to the last module on our MOOC. In this module we will focus on the way in which we can write materials: we will think about sources for texts, about finding suitable tasks for texts, and will practice write new tasks for texts that you have already read. We will end with two interviews: one with Caroline Herring, a teacher in London who talks about materials she wrote for her own learners, and the second with Prof. Pauline Foster, who talks about reading and reading tasks.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Positive reading course

According to students, this course is a positive experience. Students say that this course offers engaging assignments in a communicative practice environment. Experienced students may find this course to be below their level.

The course offers opportunities for communicative practice.

"communicative practice with such interesting people"

Students find this course to be positive.

"Thanks for very interesting course"

"I enjoyed the course a lot"

Students find this course to have engaging assignments

"engaging assignments"

Experienced students may find this course too basic.

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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