Exploring the Effect of Task-Based Language Teaching on Reading Comprehension: Evidence from Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners

Subject Areas : Research in English Language Pedagogy

Maryam Riazi Ahmadsaraei ¹ , Abbas Pourhosein Gilakjani ²

1 - Department of English Language Translation, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran
2 - Department of English Language Translation, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran

Received: 2022-02-28 Accepted : 2022-04-24 Published : 2022-09-01

Keywords: EFL, intermediate learners, reading comprehension, Reading, Task-based language teaching,

Abstract :

The current research investigated the impact of task-based language teaching (TBLT) on Iranian intermediate EFL learners’ reading comprehension ability. To this end, a total of sixty EFL learners were chosen based on their performance on Oxford Quick Placement Test (OQPT). Next, the researchers divided them into one experimental and one control group. At the beginning of this study, a pretest reading was run for both groups to examine their reading before introducing the treatment. Then, the experimental group was treated for ten sessions, which received training reading comprehension skills based on TBLT, whereas the control group received a placebo (teaching reading via the existing method). At the end of the study, both groups took part in the reading post-test. The researchers analyzed the data using Independent and Paired Samples T-test methods. The results represented that TBLT had a statistically significant effect on reading comprehension of Iranian intermediate learners. The results demonstrated that there was a statistically significant difference in post-test scores between the control and experimental groups. That is, the experimental group performed better than the control group in the post-test of reading comprehension ability and the progress in the experimental group was higher than the control group. Pedagogical implications are provided for EFL teachers and material designers to incorporate TBLT activities into curriculum development as a tool to aid learners’ reading comprehension skill.

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