Structuring task-based interaction through collaborative learning techniques

In a previous article in Foreign Language Teaching in Schools, I discussed the principles that underlie task-based language teaching and categorized different types of task in terms of a continuum from “focusing on form” to focusing on meaning”. The present article shifts attention to how the teacher can seek to ensure the participation of all students in the interaction that the task stimulates and minimize “social loafing”. In particular it will describe some collaborative learning techniques that may be used as a means of structuring task-based interaction. Copyright © 2004 中小學外語教學編輯部.