Task Variation, Language Production, and Learning Outcomes in Task-Based Language Teaching Research: Insights from Five Decades of 'TESOL Quarterly'
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| Title: | Task Variation, Language Production, and Learning Outcomes in Task-Based Language Teaching Research: Insights from Five Decades of 'TESOL Quarterly' |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | YouJin Kim (ORCID |
| Source: | TESOL Quarterly. 2026 60(2):489-510. |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 22 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Information Analyses |
| Descriptors: | Second Language Instruction, Second Language Learning, Teaching Methods, Task Analysis, Educational History, Educational Trends, Outcomes of Education, Instructional Design, Course Descriptions, Educational Research, Transfer of Training, Technology Integration |
| DOI: | 10.1002/tesq.70150 |
| ISSN: | 0039-8322 1545-7249 |
| Abstract: | Since the 1980s, when tasks were systematically introduced into the field of language education, the research domain of tasks and task-based language teaching (TBLT) has expanded considerably. In this article, we provide a brief overview of TBLT research and examine trends in task-related articles published in "TESOL Quarterly (TQ)" over the past five decades. Following a careful screening process based on our review criteria, a total of 92 empirical studies were included, focusing on task design and implementation, as well as learner language production and/or learning outcomes. In the section on conceptual approaches, we outline key definitions and characteristics of tasks, review task design and implementation factors that have been investigated, and discuss task syllabus design. The methodology section synthesizes the main constructs examined in previous "TQ" studies, particularly those related to task design and implementation. In the pedagogical approaches section, we highlight four broadly defined applications drawn from selected "TQ" studies, emphasizing the importance of context-sensitive task design and sustained implementation of TBLT. The article concludes by proposing future research directions, including (1) task transferability, (2) the integration of technology in task design and implementation, and (3) connections between in-school and out-of-school task performance. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1505800 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Since the 1980s, when tasks were systematically introduced into the field of language education, the research domain of tasks and task-based language teaching (TBLT) has expanded considerably. In this article, we provide a brief overview of TBLT research and examine trends in task-related articles published in "TESOL Quarterly (TQ)" over the past five decades. Following a careful screening process based on our review criteria, a total of 92 empirical studies were included, focusing on task design and implementation, as well as learner language production and/or learning outcomes. In the section on conceptual approaches, we outline key definitions and characteristics of tasks, review task design and implementation factors that have been investigated, and discuss task syllabus design. The methodology section synthesizes the main constructs examined in previous "TQ" studies, particularly those related to task design and implementation. In the pedagogical approaches section, we highlight four broadly defined applications drawn from selected "TQ" studies, emphasizing the importance of context-sensitive task design and sustained implementation of TBLT. The article concludes by proposing future research directions, including (1) task transferability, (2) the integration of technology in task design and implementation, and (3) connections between in-school and out-of-school task performance. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0039-8322 1545-7249 |
| DOI: | 10.1002/tesq.70150 |
