ENHANCING PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE THROUGH TASK-BASED LEARNING IN ESP
Keywords:
Task-Based Learning, ESP, communicative competence, professional English, authentic tasks, workplace communication, learner autonomy, English language teachingAbstract
English for Specific Purposes (ESP) has become one of the fastest-growing areas in English language education because globalization and professional specialization increasingly require learners to use English within occupational and academic contexts. Traditional ESP instruction has often focused heavily on terminology, reading comprehension, and memorization of profession-related vocabulary. However, such approaches frequently fail to develop learners’ communicative competence in authentic professional situations. Task-Based Learning (TBL), as a communication-oriented pedagogical approach, offers significant advantages for ESP instruction because it integrates language learning with meaningful professional interaction. This article examines the benefits of Task-Based Learning in ESP classrooms and explores how task-oriented instruction contributes to communicative competence, learner autonomy, interactional confidence, and professional language development. The article additionally introduces the concept of professional communicative alignment, referring to the degree to which classroom tasks correspond to authentic workplace communication demands. Drawing on interactionist and sociocultural perspectives, the study argues that Task-Based Learning creates realistic and cognitively engaging learning environments that prepare learners for professional communication beyond the classroom. The paper also discusses the challenges of implementing TBL in ESP settings and provides pedagogical recommendations for effective task design.
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