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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 0000-0002-5741-9369), Yoon Namkung (ORCID 0000-0001-6451-9678)
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
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  Data: Task Variation, Language Production, and Learning Outcomes in Task-Based Language Teaching Research: Insights from Five Decades of 'TESOL Quarterly'
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22YouJin+Kim%22">YouJin Kim</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5741-9369">0000-0002-5741-9369</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Yoon+Namkung%22">Yoon Namkung</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6451-9678">0000-0001-6451-9678</externalLink>)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22TESOL+Quarterly%22"><i>TESOL Quarterly</i></searchLink>. 2026 60(2):489-510.
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  Data: 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
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  Data: Journal Articles<br />Information Analyses
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Second+Language+Instruction%22">Second Language Instruction</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Second+Language+Learning%22">Second Language Learning</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Teaching+Methods%22">Teaching Methods</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Task+Analysis%22">Task Analysis</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Educational+History%22">Educational History</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Educational+Trends%22">Educational Trends</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Outcomes+of+Education%22">Outcomes of Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Instructional+Design%22">Instructional Design</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Course+Descriptions%22">Course Descriptions</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Educational+Research%22">Educational Research</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Transfer+of+Training%22">Transfer of Training</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Technology+Integration%22">Technology Integration</searchLink>
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  Data: 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.
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      – SubjectFull: Teaching Methods
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      – SubjectFull: Transfer of Training
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