narrow and broad task definitions

CSD: Task 5.1 Help | Andy | February 6th, 2002

If anyone is doing CSD, can you help me with task 1, Unit 5?

I really do not understand the difference between broad definitions of task and narrow definitions of task!

Can someone please give me the answer???

Cheers,

Andy in Japan

Re: CSD Help | James Hobbs | February 7th, 2002

Hi Andy,

I found that one a bit confusing, too, as much of the language in the definitions seems so vague. Concepts like "an outcome" and "some process of thought" don't seem very precise. But I think the language to be used in the 'task' is a part of it. With a broad definition like Breen's (b) an activity such as "Ask your partner ten questions using the pattern 'What's your favourite..........?' and answer with 'My favourite ..........- is ..................'" would appear to count as a task. But with a narrow definition such as Nunan's (f) it wouldn't be counted as a task as the focus is clearly on form, not meaning. I think this activity would only count as a task using a broad definition, so try it out on the other definitions and see what you come up with. This is not the whole story, but it should get you pointed in the right direction.

I think the main point here is that the word task means different things to different people. There's no "correct" definition as such, but if you use the word task in an assignment, be sure to make it clear which definition you're using.

Hope this helps, and if it doesn't then I'm sure someone else can explain it more clearly.

James Hobbs

 

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