Applying task-based language teaching (TBLT) method for improving reading comprehension skill of junior-high students at UKA School in Ba Ria City: Master of TESOL

Abstract

Reading is a skill that will help students develop their ability to perceive language, especially English language. This skill helps them to discover and memorize a lot of English sentences and words. Then, their brain can imitate, and they can say what they think correctly, in terms of both grammar and word use. If a student reads a lot, paying special attention to the words they often use, they will quickly apply new words or new structures to speaking and writing. Moreover, it also helps students develop their intuition when learning the language. Students will begin to feel which statements are right, what sounds wrong - just as they would be in their native language. Learning English by reading English material seems to take longer, unlike grammar – based learning. And teaching reading skills has not been as much concentrated as expected. In Vietnam, reading exercise and skills usually happen after other skills (speaking, listening and writing) and students usually need more reading skills in their reading comprehension tests rather than when learning. Therefore, this study aims at exploration of the effects of using Task-based language teaching method (TBLT) to improve reading comprehensive ability of students in the UKA Ba Ria School. There are 50 students of 2 classes selected to take part in this study and divided into two groups: one control and one experimental group. The control group was exposed to textbook teaching between pre-test and post-test; however, the experimental one was taught using TBLT method. This study helps us become more aware of the innovation of Task based language teaching method for students. This project will contribute to future research on similar topics.