In this article, I start by distinguishing two approaches to the design of a language curriculum: the structural approach and the task-based approach. I then present my views relating to three key question: Is one approach superior to the other? When implemented, do these approaches result in different classroom processes? Are there advantages in combining the two approaches? I argue that the evidence points to the superiority of a task-based approach, that prior explicit instruction can have a deleterious effect on the performance of tasks and that a curriculum that combines the two approaches is preferable. I conclude by pointing out the flexibility of a modular curriculum that makes it well suited to a variety of instructional contexts.

中文翻译：

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捍卫任务的模块化课程

在本文中，我将从区分语言课程设计的两种方法开始：结构化方法和基于任务的方法。然后，我提出与三个关键问题有关的观点：一种方法是否优于另一种方法？实施后，这些方法会导致不同的课堂过程吗？结合这两种方法是否有优势？我认为证据表明了基于任务的方法的优越性，即事先的明确指导可能对任务的执行产生有害影响，并且将两种方法结合起来的课程是更可取的。最后，我指出了模块化课程的灵活性，使其非常适合各种教学环境。