任务型教学法的理论基础基于语言习得的研究成果

任务型教学法的理论基础基于语言习得的研究成果，课堂中师生和生生的互动和交际有助于学生运用语言，学生在完成任务的过程中产生语言的习得，并最终达到掌握语言的目的。

其理论基础是输入与互动假设（input and interaction hypothesis）（Ellis，1999）。

Skehan（1998）对任务有如下论述：意义优先，任务完成为主，评估基于任务完成与否。

也就是说，任务应重视学生如何沟通信息，而不强调学生使用何种形式；任务具有在现实生活中产生的可能性，而不是“假交际”；学生应把学习的重点放在如何完成任务上；对任务进行评估的标准是任务是否成功完成。

因此，《英语课程标准》指出“活动要以学生的生活经验和兴趣为出发点，内容和方式要尽量真实，要有利于学生学习英语知识、发展语言技能，从而提高交际的语言应用能力”。

美国教育家杜威（1859-1952）以实用主义的认识作为教育理论基础，提出了“学生中心，从做中学”的教育模式，他主张教育的中心应从教师和教科书转到学生，教学应引导学生在各种活动中学习。

语言学家HerbortH.Clark（1996）说：Language is for doing things.“学习语言既不是背诵孤言的单词，也不是熟记脱离语境的句子，更不是记忆枯燥乏味的语法规则，而应当教会学生用恰当的语言把要求做的事情做好，词汇和语法都是为“做事情”并“完成任务”服务的，课堂上教师的任务就是在语言运用的活动中把词汇，语法和功能项目有机地结合起来。

20世纪70年代，N.S.Prabhu在印度进行了一顶强交际法的实验（Bargalore Project），他提出了许多任务类型，并把学习的内容设计成各种交际任务让学生通过完成任务进行学习。

Task-based language learning (TBLL), also known as task-based language teaching (TBLT) or task-based instruction (TBI) focuses on the use of authentic language and on asking students to do meaningful tasks using the target language. Such tasks can include visiting a doctor, conducting an interview, or calling customer service for help. Assessment is primarily based on task outcome (in other words the appropriate completion of tasks) rather than on accuracy of language forms. This makes TBLL especially popular for developing target language fluency and student confidence.
During the task phase, the students perform the task, typically in small groups, although this is dependent on the type of activity. And unless the teacher plays a particular role in the task, then the teacher's role is typically limited to one of an observer or counselor—thus the reason for it being a more student-centered methodology.
Dogme language teaching shares a philosophy with TBL, although differs in approach.[3]Dogme is a communicative approach to language teaching and encourages teaching without published textbooks and instead focusing on conversational communication among the learners and the teacher.
Task-based language learning (TBL) focuses on the use of authentic language and encourages students to do real life tasks using the language being learned. Tasks can be highly transactional, where the student is carrying out everyday tasks such as visiting the doctor at the Chinese island of Monash University (in Second Life). Incidental knowledge (about
the medical system in China) can also be gained through such immersive TBL. Other tasks may focus on more interactional language, such as ones that involve more social activities or interviews within a virtual world.。