Arabic Language Teachers’ Readiness for Task-Based Language Teaching in the 21st Century: Insights from ACTFL Standards

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18326/lisania.v9i2.317-331

Keywords:

Arabic Teacher, Readiness Assessment, Task-Based Language Teaching

Abstract

Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) is essential for developing 21st-century Arabic language skills. This study aims to assess the readiness of Indonesian Arabic language teachers to implement TBLT, utilizing the comprehensive ACTFL World-Readiness Standards (5Cs): communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities, as the analytical framework. Employing a quantitative survey design, data were collected from Arabic teachers across various educational levels in Indonesia to evaluate their current preparedness levels against the 5Cs standard. The overall readiness index stands at 3.01 (on a 5-point scale), concluding that the teachers are “not ready, need some repairs” for full TBLT implementation. While Communication demonstrated the highest readiness (3.36), aspects like Comparisons (2.85) and Cultures (2.87) showed the lowest scores. These findings provide a crucial evaluation of teachers' preparedness, highlighting an urgent need for targeted professional development programs focused on integrating cultural competency and comparative linguistic skills within TBLT pedagogy to meet the demands of 21st-century language education.

References

Abdul Hamid, Mohd Fauzi, Sahrir, Muhammad Sabri, Yahaya, Mohd Firdaus, & Muassomah, Muassomah. (2025). Development of a web-based interactive infographic module for learning Arabic grammar at a Malaysian university. Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn), 19(4), 2302–2312. https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v19i4.22258

Al-Rashidi, Anwar Hammad. (2025). Does digital task-based instruction make a difference in EFL university students’ motivation in Saudi Arabia? An Active theory perspective. Learning and Motivation, 90, 102115.

Alahmadi, Nesreen Saud. (2019). The role of input in second language acquisition: An overview of four theories. Bulletin of Advanced English Studies (BAES), 3(2), 70.

Arifianto, Muhammad Lukman, Izzudin, Iqbal Fathi, & Mujahidah, Zulfa Azalia. (2023). Investigating the existence of Egyptian colloquial Arabic (ECA) in the language learning context. LISANIA: Journal of Arabic Education and Literature, 7(2), 133–147.

Aubrey, Scott, King, Jim, & Almukhaild, Haydab. (2022). Language learner engagement during speaking tasks: A longitudinal study. RELC Journal, 53(3), 519–533.

Aydin, Cengiz Hakan, & Tasci, Deniz. (2005). Measuring readiness for e-learning: Reflections from an emerging country. Educational Technology and Society, 8(4), 244–257.

Bakar, S. (2021). Investigating the dynamics of contemporary pedagogical approaches in higher education through innovations, challenges, and paradigm shifts. Social Science Chronicle, 1(1), 1–19.

Bhandari, Laxman Prasad, Dahal, Niroj, Awasthi, Jai Raj, & Dhungana, Siddhartha. (2025). Technology-mediated task-based language teaching: a systematic review. Cogent Education, 12(1), 2560051.

Bryfonski, Lara, & McKay, Todd H. (2019). TBLT implementation and evaluation: A meta-analysis. Language Teaching Research, 23(5), 603–632.

Bui, Gavin, & Skehan, Peter. (2018). Complexity, accuracy, and fluency. The TESOL Encyclopedia of English Language Teaching, 1–7.

Burdujan, Radu. (2024). The potential of task-based language learning (TBL) in an interdisciplinary context. Acta et Commentationes (Ştiinţe Ale Educaţiei), 35(1), 127–135.

Bygate, Martin. (2020). Some directions for the possible survival of TBLT as a real-world project. Language Teaching, 53(3), 275–288. https://doi.org/DOI: 10.1017/S0261444820000014

Chalhoub-Deville, Micheline, & Lin, Jia. (2022). Foreign language testing constructs, frameworks, and assessments. Routledge Resources Online-Education-Assessment. Milton Park: Routledge.

Chen, Shijun, & Wang, Jing. (2019). Effects of Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) Approach and Language Assessment on Students’ Competences in Intensive Reading Course. English Language Teaching, 12(3), 119–138.

Choi, Julie, & Nunan, David. (2018). Language Learning and Activation in and beyond the Classroom. Australian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 1(2), 49–63.

Creswell, John, & Creswell, Vicki L. (2023). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (6th ed., Vol. 0). California: Sage Publications.

Crookes, Graham V, & Ziegler, Nicole. (2021). Education Sciences Critical Language Pedagogy and Task-Based Language Teaching : Reciprocal Relationship and Mutual Benefit.

El Seoud, Dalal Abo. (2024). Challenges in teaching Arabic as a foreign language. American University in Cairo Press.

ElHawari, Rasha. (2020). Teaching Arabic as a heritage language. Routledge.

Ellis, Rod. (2000). Task-based research and language pedagogy. Language Teaching Research, 4(3), 193–220. https://doi.org/10.1177/136216880000400302

Ellis, Rod. (2021). Task-Based Language Teaching: Early Days, Now and into the Future BT - Task-Based Language Teaching and Assessment: Contemporary Reflections from Across the World (N. P. Sudharshana & Lina Mukhopadhyay, Eds.). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-4226-5_4

Gass, Susan M., & Mackey, Alison. (2020). Input, interaction, and output in L2 acquisition. In Theories in second language acquisition (pp. 192–222). Routledge.

Ghaith, Ghazi M., & Awada, Ghada M. (2022). Cooperative Learning and World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages. In Cooperative Learning and World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages: A Guide for Effective Practice (pp. 11–26). Springer.

Harris, Justin. (2018). Responding to the critics: Implementation of TBLT in Japan. Indonesian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 8(1), 139–148.

Hilmi, D., Toifah, N., & Sadiyah, H. (2023). Curriculum Development Strategy for Independent Learning in Arabic Language Learning at PTKIN in East Java. … : Journal of Arabic …. Retrieved from https://ejournal.uinsalatiga.ac.id/index.php/lisania/article/view/593

Hima, Aninda Nidhomil, Saputro, Teguh Hadi, & Farah, Rafika Rabba. (2021). Benefits and challenges of doing task-based language teaching in Indonesia: Teachers’ perception. KEMBARA: Jurnal Keimuan Bahasa, Sastra, Dan Pengajarannya, 7(1), 131–142.

Hines-Gaither, Krishauna, & Accilien, Cécile. (2022). The antiracist world language classroom. Routledge.

Hirose, Mariko, & Creswell, John W. (2022). Applying Core Quality Criteria of Mixed Methods Research to an Empirical Study. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 17(1), 12–28. https://doi.org/10.1177/15586898221086346

Jackson, Daniel O. (2024). Task-Based Language Teaching. 24(1), 60–63.

Lakew, Belyihun Muchie, Yigzaw Filatie, Abiy, & Simegn Chanie, Birhanu. (2025). Exploring innovative pedagogical approaches: primary school EFL teachers’ utilization of teaching strategies. Cogent Education, 12(1), 2510030.

Lam, Huong Thi Lan, Van Nguyen, Son, & Nguyen, Hong Anh Thi. (2021). University lecturers’ task-based language teaching beliefs and practices. Education Sciences, 11(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11110748

Li, Wang, Wang, Min, & Zheng, Weimin. (2016). The effect of manipulating task complexity on complexity, accuracy, and fluency in L2 speech performance: An Experimental study. System, 59(2), 33–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2016.05.004

Mandaka, Dwi Arian Putra, Muhlis, Wachida, Hajar, Ibnu, Mizan, Khairul, & Isnaini, Rohmatun Luluk. (2023). Problems of Learning Arabic for Non-Islamic School Graduate Students at the Arabic Language Education Program at Sultan Thaha Saifuddin State Islamic University, Jambi. LISANIA: Journal of Arabic Education and Literature, 7(2), 148–158.

Pan, Lin, & Nunan, David. (2025). CLT and TBLT: looking back and looking forward with Professor David Nunan. The Language Learning Journal, 1–8.

Pang, Francine, & Skehan, Peter. (2021). Performance profiles on second language speaking tasks. The Modern Language Journal, 105(1), 371–390.

Peker, Hilal, & Arslan, Zeynep. (2020). A critique of Merrill Swain’s output hypothesis in language learning and teaching. Eğitimde Kuram ve Uygulama, 16(1), 99–108.

Prabhu, Neiman Stern. (1987). Second language pedagogy (Vol. 20). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Richards, Jack C., & Schmidt, Richard W. (2014). Language and communication. New York: Routledge.

Roeming, Robert F. (1967). The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). The Modern Language Journal, 51(3), 167–169. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/323672

Rozak, Abd, Albantani, Azkia Muharom, & Syafri, Mohamad. (2023). Intention and Motivation in Online Arabic Courses: Agency for Learning Phenomenon. LISANIA: Journal of Arabic Education and Literature, 7(1), 31–45.

Safrudin, Ramadhan, Nandang, Ade, Siregar, Sri Dewi Priwarti, Musthafa, Izzuddin, Fauzi, Muhamad Fauzan, Alby, Moch. Hazmi Farhanul, & Suyono, Suyono. (2024). Development of Arabic Language Learning Research: A Bibliometric Study on Scopus (2009-2024). Al-Ta’rib : Jurnal Ilmiah Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa Arab IAIN Palangka Raya, 12(2), 321–338. https://doi.org/10.23971/altarib.v12i2.8929

Saiegh-Haddad, Elinor, Shahbari-Kassem, Abeer, & Schif, Rachel. (2020). Correction to: Phonological awareness in Arabic: the role of phonological distance, phonological-unit size, and SES (Reading and Writing, 2020, 33, 6, 1649-1674), 10.1007/s11145-020-10019-3. Reading and Writing. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-020-10069-7

Saiegh-Haddad, Elinor, Shahbari-Kassem, Abeer, & Schiff, Rachel. (2020). Phonological awareness in Arabic: the role of phonological distance, phonological-unit size, and SES. Reading and Writing. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-020-10019-3

Sang, Huynh Truong. (2023). European Journal of English Language Teaching TASK-BASED LANGUAGE TEACHING IN VIETNAM : RESEARCH TRENDS, FINDINGS, AND IMPLICATIONS. 63–90. https://doi.org/10.46827/ejel.v8i2.4758

Troyan, Francis John, Martel, Jason, & Zaitseva, Anna. (2025). Performance Assessment in World Language Education. In The Handbook of Research in World Language Instruction (pp. 285–298). Routledge.

Tyan, Poh Huoy, Rahman, Fadzilah Abd, & Sarvestani, Maryam Shafie. (2020). Teachers’ readiness in implementing and facilitating 21st-century learning. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(1A), 24–29. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2020.081304

Vuopala, Essi, Näykki, Piia, Isohätälä, Jaana, & Järvelä, Sanna. (2019). Knowledge co-construction activities and task-related monitoring in scripted collaborative learning. Learning, Culture and Social Interaction, 21, 234–249.

Wei, Ran, & Zhao, Xiaoyan. (2024). Effects of task-based language teaching on functional adequacy in L2 writing. Assessing Writing, 60, 100838. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asw.2024.100838

Wesely, Pamela M., Zamora, Celia Chomón, Muirhead, Pablo, & Russell, Victoria. (2025). Conclusion: Future Directions in World Language Instruction. In The Handbook of Research in World Language Instruction (pp. 616–631). Routledge.

Widodo, Sembodo Ardi, & Setiyawan, Agung. (2021). Refining Understanding About Arabic Curriculum Management: Concept, Characteristics, and Study Area. LISANIA: Journal of Arabic Education and Literature, 5(1), 53–70. https://doi.org/10.18326/lisania.v5i1.53-70

Yin, Qinghua, & Satar, Müge. (2020). English as a Foreign Language Learner Interactions with Chatbots: Negotiation for Meaning. International Online Journal of Education and Teaching, 7(2), 390–410.

Zabolotna, Kateryna, Nøhr, Liv, Iwata, Megumi, Spikol, Daniel, Malmberg, Jonna, & Järvenoja, Hanna. (2025). How does collaborative task design shape collaborative knowledge construction and group-level regulation of learning? A study of secondary school students’ interactions in two varied tasks. International Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning, 1–29.

Downloads

Published

2025-12-24

Issue

Section

Articles