Factors affecting novice and experienced teachers’ implementation of task-based language teaching under a framework of fidelity of implementation

Abstract

This qualitative study examined factors mediating a novice’s and an experienced English as a foreign language (EFL) teacher’s different adherence to critical components based on a tentative framework of fidelity of implementation (FoI) for task-based language teaching (TBLT). The 18-week study involved two teachers and 109 students at a Chinese University. Qualitative findings suggested that, compared with the experienced teacher, the novice teacher implemented with lower fidelity to three pedagogical principles, encouraging inductive (“chunk”) learning, focusing on form and providing negative feedback. Elicited data from observation logs and interviews indicated that factors influencing the teachers’ variation entailed their beliefs, teaching experience, and teacher–student relationship. Implications for upskilling and supporting novice teachers in future TBLT professional development programs are discussed.