TY - JOUR AU - Kanoksilapatham, Budsaba AU - Suranakkharin, Todsapon PY - 2019/12/24 Y2 - 2024/03/29 TI - Tour Guide Simulation: A Task-Based Learning Activity to Enhance Young Thai Learners’ English JF - Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction JA - MJLI VL - 16 IS - 2 SE - Articles DO - 10.32890/mjli2019.16.2.1 UR - https://e-journal.uum.edu.my/index.php/mjli/article/view/mjli2019.16.2.1 SP - 1-31 AB - <p><strong>Purpose&nbsp;</strong><strong>-&nbsp;</strong>This study aimed to explore the effects of task-based language teaching (TBLT) with a tour guide simulation as a focused activity on young Thai learners’ English speaking skill and their attitudes towards the instruction.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Methodology&nbsp;</strong><strong>-&nbsp;</strong>Based on a three-phase framework (i.e., pre-task, during-task, and post-task), TBLT was implemented with a Grade 4 class for a period of eleven weeks. Initially, a set of English lessons developed based on the context of local tourist attractions was implemented at the pre-task stage. In the second stage, a simulated tour guide task was used to assess their ability to turn the language input into a practical and authentic use of English speaking. Subsequently, corrective feedback on each student’s performance was provided, and their attitudes towards the instruction were examined at the last stage.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Findings</strong><strong>&nbsp;<strong>-&nbsp;</strong></strong>The students were able to satisfactorily complete the tour guide task in English, indicating the potential of the task as a device to strengthen their speaking skill. Moreover, they generally had a favourable attitude towards the instruction.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Significance&nbsp;<strong>-&nbsp;</strong></strong>These findings are significant for both school teachers and curriculum designers. In addition to confirming the effectiveness of TBLT, this study highlights the promising use of context specific-based lessons and class activities&nbsp;as&nbsp;an avenue for young learners to practice speaking English in a context relevant to them.</p> ER -