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Cited by 464EFL/ESL Teaching and LearningSecond Language Learning and TeachingEnglish Language Learning and Teaching

Issues in Teachers' Reinterpretation of a Task-Based Innovation in Primary Schools

Carless, David·2004·TESOL Quarterly
DOI 10.2307/3588283
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Abstract

Although task-based teaching is frequently practiced in contemporary English language teaching, it is underresearched in state school settings. This article contributes to filling this gap in the literature by using qualitative case study data to explore how a task-based innovation was implemented in three primary school classrooms in Hong Kong. Analysis of classroom observation and interview data shows how the case study teachers reinterpreted a new curriculum in line with their own beliefs and the practical challenges occurring in their school contexts. Drawing on classroom episodes, the article highlights three issues that proved problematic when the tasks were implemented: use of the mother tongue, classroom management or discipline problems, and the quantity of target language produced. Implications for the design and implementation of task-based pedagogies in primary school contexts are discussed.

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Crossref · 10.2307/3588283

Cites

46 of 46 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Carless (2004) found that tasks used by primary teachers in Hong Kong often became language practice rather than genuine communication.

    “He found that the tasks used by primary school teachers in Hong Kong often ended up as 'language practice' rather than affording opportunities for genuine communication.”

    From Position paper: Moving task-based language teaching forward (2017) · cites this paper as Carless (2004)

  • Carless (2004) noted that teachers do not always have a clear idea of what a task is.

    “A particular problem noted by Carless (2004) is that teachers do not always have a clear idea of what a 'task' is.”

    From Position paper: Moving task-based language teaching forward (2017) · cites this paper as Carless (2004)

  • A related issue is the problem of control and discipline; noise produced during speaking activities can be problematic when the local preference is for quiet and orderly classrooms.

    “A related issue is the problem of control and discipline (Butler, 2005; Littlewood, 2007); Carless (2004) argues that the noise produced during speaking activities can be problematic when the local preference is for quiet and orderly classrooms.”

    From Challenges in Teaching English to Young Learners: Global Perspectives and Local Realities (2014) · cites this paper as Carless (2004)

  • These problems are now well documented and cannot be easily overcome.

    “These problems are now well documented (see, for example Carless, 2004) and cannot be easily overcome.”

    From Focus on form: A critical review (2016) · cites this paper as Carless, 2004

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Related

Authors
Carless, D.
Affiliations
Education University of Hong Kong (HK)
Corresponding author
Carless, David
ORCID
Carless, David
Venue
TESOL Quarterly
Publisher
JSTOR
Published
2004-12-01
Volume
38
Issue
4
Pages
639
ISSN
0039-8322 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.2307/3588283
OpenAlex
W2122852688
Cited by
464
References
47
Citations by year
2026: 34 · 2025: 14 · 2024: 17 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 48 · 2021: 57 · 2020: 25 · 2019: 55 · 2018: 42 · 2017: 23 · 2016: 17 · 2015: 25 · 2014: 22 · 2013: 14 · 2012: 17
FWCI
32.44
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • TESOL Quarterly (publishedVersion)
  • Hong Kong Education Bibliographic Database (submittedVersion)
  • The HKU Scholars Hub (University of Hong Kong) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Language and Linguistics › EFL/ESL Teaching and Learning
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Literature and Literary Theory › Second Language Learning and Teaching
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › English Language Learning and Teaching
Keywords
task-based language teaching, teacher beliefs, curriculum implementation, state schools, Hong Kong, mother tongue use, classroom management, discipline problems

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