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Part of
Individual Differences and Task-Based Language Teaching
Edited by Shaofeng Li
[Task-Based Language Teaching 16] 2024
► pp. 346–364

Chapter 12
Conclusion

Some thoughts on investigating individual differences in task-based language teaching

| Curtin University

This chapter begins by raising a number of general issues concerning the investigation of individual differences in task-based language teaching (TBLT) – the importance of investigating IDs in task-based language lessons as well as in individual tasks, including the study of input-based as well as output-based tasks, the selection of IDs to be investigated, and the need to make a clear distinction between IDs and engagement/emotion. The chapter then outlines a framework that can guide the study of IDs in TBLT where IDs along with teacher factors and situational context mediate task outcomes via how participants engage with a task. Finally, the chapter comments on pedagogical issues by considering what IDs should teachers consider in designing, implementing, or adapting tasks, how they can find out how their learners differ, and how they can accommodate learner IDs in TBLT.

Keywords: a framework for investigating individual differences in TBLT, accommodating individual differences in TBLT, a holistic perspective
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Some general issues
    • Investigating tasks or task-based language teaching
    • Choice of tasks
    • Choice of psychological factors
    • IDs and performance variables
  • A framework for investigating IDs in task-based research
    • Task
    • IDs
    • Engagement
    • Teacher factors
    • Situational context
    • Outcomes
  • Accommodating individual differences in TBLT
    • What IDs should TBLT teachers consider?
    • How can teachers find out how their learners differ?
    • How can learner IDs be accommodated in TBLT?
  • References
Published online: 6 June 2024
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/tblt.16.12ell
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