Task-based Language Teaching for EFL Students Based on Blended Learning

Abstract

This paper discusses the Task-based language teaching of college English courses based on the blended learning model. It argues that Task Based Learning could be realized in a blended learning environment. It suggests that the design should be carefully made in the Task-based learning activities and after-class tasks to make full use of classroom teaching and online learning, and that the purpose is to cultivate students’ autonomous learning ability and self-supervision awareness in online learning. It also claims that the online learning and classroom teaching should be integrated through the tasks. 1. The situation of college English teaching in China There have been many reforms in college English teaching in China, which definitely improves the teaching quality of college English and also enhances English language proficiency of college students. The Teaching Requirements of College English Courses issued by the Education Ministry in 2007 clearly specify the stipulations of college students’ English communicative competence. Bachman pointed out that an English class is a place full of questions and answers and language communication, and that the learning efficiency of a language should be improved through authentic communicative activities [1]. In an EFL (English as a foreign language) class, especially in the college English class in China, the classroom teaching activities should be designed to help students develop and improve their communicative competence. A college English class is a place where students can learn and practice using the language, so there should be enough output activities in the class. With the development of online learning, blended learning which combines the advantages both of online learning and traditional classroom teaching becomes a popular learning style in higher education. This paper is to discuss the appropriate way that can promote students’ language output and improve students’ English language level in a blended learning environment.