Affiliation:
1. Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales
2. University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Abstract
This paper shows how Task-Based Learning (TBL) is used to equip
second-year Spanish students at Cardiff University for their placements
during their year abroad. We present a set of task-based projects embedded
within the curriculum to enhance both (1) the competences students have to
acquire throughout their degree, and (2) the skills to overcome the
challenges involved in tasks of similar nature when studying or working
abroad. These activities (including translations, presentations, essay
writing and the production of a vlog) put all the knowledge acquired into
practice in real-life situations. The impact of these tasks on the learning
process, academic, sociocultural, and employability skills, and the
students’ perceptions of the transition to placements abroad have been
assessed through a survey. The sequences designed, the results and feedback
collected are presented as evidence in favour of TBL as a suitable approach
to qualify Higher Education (HE) students as proficient users of the target
language during their time abroad.
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