Task-based language teaching and theme-based role-play: Developing EFL learners’ communicative competence

Abstract

While task-based language teaching has received considerable attention from both researchers and educational policy makers, the effective implementation in the classroom is still a matter of question. Thus, this classroombased research attempts to contribute to the practice of task-based teaching in actual classrooms. It proposes theme-based role-play as an alternative in developing EFL learners’ communicative competence in task-based teaching. This study explores student progress (N = 782) in theme-based role-play performances throughout one academic term – 12 weeks – and examines the impact on student achievement in the final speaking exam. The findings confirm the hypothesis that students’ performances in theme-based role-play predict the development of their communicative competence. However, topics and contents of role-play activities, roles of students and teachers as an individual and a group, and teachers’ provision of support may play key roles in implementation.