The Application of TBLT to English Listening Teaching in Junior High School

-- A Case Study in Chengdu XX Middle School

Abstract

As an integral part of English learning, listening teaching plays a significant role in the process of English teaching in junior high school. Since task-based language teaching was advocated in the English Curriculum Standards for Compulsory Education (2022), its effects on English learning have been explored. However, the traditional approach is still commonly used in junior high school English listening teaching, which involves listening to a recording, completing listening exercises and checking answers. This leads to the inefficiency of English listening class and the decrease in students’ motivation. Based on the theoretical study of Task-based Language Teaching (TBLT), the author tries to combine the theory of task-based approach with real English listening class. The author discusses the application of TBLT in listening teaching from the pre-task, task cycle and language focus stage based on Willis’ (1996) framework for TBLT. In addition, a three-month empirical study is carried in the two classes of Grade Eight in Chengdu XXX High School, which aims to answer the following questions: 1) How does the implementation of TBLT in English listening teaching influence students’ interest? 2) Does the application of TBLT in English listening teaching help students improve their listening ability? 3) Does the application of TBLT in English listening teaching help to enhance students’ listening strategies? Through analysis of interview and listening test, the author finds that students’ English listening interest, listening ability and listening strategies can be improved with TBLT. Finally, the author puts forward some suggestions on the application of TBLT to English listening teaching, aiming to help English teachers improve the teaching efficiency and encourage them to apply TBLT to English listening teaching.