Factors affecting learning engagement for task-based language learning of Non-English majored students at Ba Ria Vung Tau University: Master of TESOL

Abstract

It is universally acknowledged that Task-based Language Teaching (TBLT) plays an integral role in the language teaching and learning process. In many countries all over the world, TBLT is applied to the process of teaching and learning English widely and effectively. Nevertheless, when it comes to the context of education in Vietnam, especially the English subject, examinations are mainly grammar focused. Hence, English teaching and learning is purely examination-based. This leads to the fact that students lose their interest in acquiring the new language and fail to speak fluent English. Therefore, the main aim of this paper is to explore the factors that affect the learning engagement for TBLT of non-English-majored students at Ba Ria Vung Tau University (BVU). This study involves 200 non-English-major students who are using this textbook as well as having chances of studying different topics and experiencing TBLT in classrooms taking part in answering the questionnaire and sixty students in responding to the semi-structured interview questions. The data gained from the questionnaire are analyzed by SPSS in terms of descriptive statistics (means, standard deviation, & frequency). The findings of the study show that teacher-related, learning context-related and learner-related factors have positive impacts on learning engagement for TBLT. The researcher then analyzes the data taken from the semi-structured interview to make the results of the study clearer. These preliminary findings are hoped to contribute to a better understanding of the current perspectives of the factors that affect the learning engagement for TBLT, with a view to bringing some practical implications in the Vietnamese context, thereby improving the quality of the teaching in English language for non-majored English students in Ba Ria Vung Tau university in specific and Vietnam in general.