Task-based Writing Activities For Lower Level University Students

Wes Lang Osaka Shoin Women’s University

This Presentation is NOT

How to teach writingAcademic writingHow to do TBL

This Presentation WILL

The AME principleAdvice for doing TB writingPractical Activities

Design Tasks that are:

AuthenticMeaningfulEngaging(Enjoyable)

AME

AdviceEstablish rapportProvide scaffoldingGive examples “Self-contained” tasksMonitor judiciouslyBe flexible

Practical Activities

1) Short-story

2) Thank-you letter

3) Travel Postcard

Least

Most

prep

Activity 1 – Short-storyMaterials

◦Loose leaf paper ◦Whiteboard or OHP

Procedure One upon a time there was a ______

named _____. One day…

Activity 2 – Thank-you letter

Materials ◦Small pieces of scrap paper◦Sample letter◦Loose leaf paper

Procedure◦(watch me)

Activity 3 – Travel Postcard

Materials ◦Travel Agency Brochures◦Blank Postcards (100 yen shop)◦Scissors, Glue◦Sample Postcard

Procedure◦(watch me)

front

back

Any Questions?

Thanks for your time

weslang@hotmail.com