Task repetition as repetition of the same or slightly altered tasks, distinct from audiolingual drills¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 3 claims (3 for) · 1 study (1 design), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 3 claims rest on one study

Description¶

Task repetition is defined in contrast to the repetition of the audiolingual method: it is the "repetition of the same or slightly altered tasks – whether whole tasks, or parts of a task" (Bygate and Samuda, 2005, as quoted). Slightly modifying the repeated task motivates students, since the change is not perceived as mere repetition, and lets learners adapt their language to a new situation while benefiting from knowledge of the just-performed task, making the repetition meaningful.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Tasks must fulfil the requirements of a task rather than an activity, including a primary focus on meaning and a clearly defined non-linguistic goal

Constraints¶

• The article distinguishes immediate repetition, performed in immediate successive cycles, from delayed repetition studied earlier, which could involve weeks or months

Target Learners¶

• additional language learners from beginner to upper-intermediate, aged 12 to 55

Target Learning Objectives¶

• speaking fluency and accuracy in an additional language

Claims¶

• Across repetition cycles, attention can shift from message meaning to linguistic form, enabling recycled language and self-correction [+W]
• Lynch and Maclean's carousel task showed immediate repetition benefits in pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar [+W]
• Immediate task repetition benefits oral performance, including fluency, self-correction and reduced anxiety [+W]

Related Theories¶

Examples¶

• Convert ordinary textbook or internet speaking tasks into immediate repetition tasks by adding interlocutor change or task alteration
• Anecdote task (my treasured possession): mingling retelling of a personal story across partner changes
• Decision-making restaurant-choice task: pairs merge into larger groups across cycles while re-choosing a restaurant
• Travel fair carousel task: pairs present a destination to rotating visitors across immediate repetition cycles

Key Sources¶

• Rafael Zaccaron. (2019). Ideas for integrating meaningful immediate repetition tasks in the English as an additional language classroom: promoting fluency. BELT, 10(2). http://dx.doi.org/10.15448/2178-3640.2019.2.32988