TASK-BASED LANGUAGE TEACHING: AN EFFICACIOUS AND INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO DEVELOP SPEAKING SKILLS AND FLUENCY OF ESL STUDENTS

Abstract

The present study investigates the effectiveness of task-based language teaching’s (henceforth referred to as TBLT) effectiveness on speaking skills’ development (grammatical competence) and improving the fluency of ESL grade VIII (13-14) students in a private school of Karachi, Pakistan. The study used a quasi-experiment with a single intact group of 32 female students. The data for this study was gathered using pre-and post-tests which were analyzed statistically by comparing mean scores received by the paired sample t-test through SPSS. The results showed significant improvement in the speaking skills i.e., grammatical competence (grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation) and fluency in speaking. The results revealed that TBLT is an innovative and effective strategy for teaching speaking skills and fluency to the ESL students as it motivated students and built their confidence. The findings of the study suggest that the English language teachers may opt for the TBLT approach in the classrooms for teaching speaking skills and fluency as it can bring significant improvement in their speaking skills. The study may have implications for curriculum designers as they can consider including this approach in the textbooks so that students can efficiently improve their language skills, be it grammatical or speaking skills.