Task Based Language Learning - Can this add something relevant to the design of the Swedish textbooks for Spanish as Second Language?

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this essay is to investigate specifically whether or not Spanish textbooks based on Task Based Language Learning (TBLL) can add something relevant to the design of the Swedish textbooks for Spanish as Second Language (SSL).

Methodology: This is a comparative study between two Swedish series for SSL and one from Spain. By series I teaching of a whole course. The small number of series to be compared is due to the limited extension of this work. However, it was decided to use two Swedish series instead of one in order to have a better sample. This study compares neither the series of all levels nor all the details of the books. Each of these issues is beyond the characteristics of this essay. The research is limited to compare series of the first level and focus only on some of their characteristics. In the first part of the analysis it sees concisely some general information of the series and in the second part it goes on to the structure and content of the textbooks. In this second and main part I will go through the following five elements of each textbook: structure of the whole book, index, structure of units, the way of working grammar and assessments.

Results: The most decisive contribution of TBLL to Swedish textbooks of SSL is the changing of approach, from linguistic contents to communicative competence. TBLL would also increase the implementation of two fundamental values of the Swedish curriculums: democracy and autonomy of learners. Proposals: Investigate the pedagogical methods used in the teaching of other languages as SL in Sweden, including English.