The action-oriented approach

The action-oriented approach is rooted in a constructivist paradigm and takes task-based learning to a level where the class and the outside world are integrated in genuine communicative practices. In addition, the approach emphasizes learner agency.

The action-oriented approach promotes the organization of learning through realistic, unifying scenarios, which span several lessons and lead up to a final collaborative task/project.

Action-oriented scenarios are usually developed through steps which involve communicative activities of reception, production, interaction, and the mediation of concepts and/or communication, inspired by CEFR descriptors. The final phase of the scenario is the collaborative production of an artefact or performance. Learners decide how to accomplish the task/project; teachers provide language input, resources, and support to class, group or individuals as required.

There is a focus on autonomy and authenticity of materials, topics and practices. Learners may use sources in various languages and work in a plurilingual way. Self-assessment of results with selected descriptors is quite common.

Ideas for implementation

Key concepts

Transparency and coherence

The user/learners as a social agent

The action-oriented approach

Plurilingualism and pluriculturalism

Mediation

Online interaction

Phonological competence

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

The action-oriented approach

Videos

Workshops

Documents

Articles