7.4 Task-based learning is problem-based learning

Experience has shown that students greatly appreciate the liberty they enjoy in such settings, and the trust the teacher places in them to use the time efficiently. Students only learn to take responsibility if they are given the liberty to do so. The risk of failure is always present – but without risk, there is no progress. Moreover, the students may achieve results that do not meet the teacher’s expectations, but the teacher gains valuable insights into the students’ level of competence develop­ment and their future learning needs. The process of learning is as important as the result.

In task-based learning, the students face problems – not only related to content and subject matter, but also in organising their work. They must become aware of them, and find a solution on their own. Due to this challenge of solving problems, every form of task-based learning offers rich potential for skills training, for example time management, work planning, co-operating in teams, obtaining materials and selecting information, finding and using tools, etc. Task-based learning is flexible, as students can adapt the task to their abilities.