Talking it through with teachers

This interview with Jonathan Newton explores key issues in task-based language teaching (TBLT), focusing on the relationship between TBLT and textbooks, and the potential for TBLT teacher development building on existing practices and materials. Newton challenges the wholesale rejection of textbooks in TBLT, arguing for “taskification” of existing materials as a pragmatic approach for teachers. He discusses the utility and limitations of task criteria (Meaning, Gap, Own Resources, Outcome — “MGOO”) as a heuristic for teachers, emphasizing the need for clearer conceptualization and application across different task types. The interview highlights the importance of building on teachers’ existing practices when introducing TBLT principles, rather than approaching TBLT from a highly theoretical angle. Newton reflects on TBLT implementation in Asian contexts, noting the diversity of educational settings and the potential of TBLT to enhance student motivation and agency. The interview underscores the value of teacher-researcher collaboration in developing practical, context-appropriate TBLT approaches.