Challenges and Opportunities of Task-Based Language Teaching in Pharmacy Colleges: Teachers’ Perspectives
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66121/qd11tj60Keywords:
Curriculum reform, Pharmacy Careers, Task-Based Language TeachingAbstract
This study explores the challenges and opportunities in implementing task-based language teaching for pharmaceutical students in the Indian context. Given the growing demand for spoken English in pharmacy careers, ranging from in-class presentations, seminars, and conferences to job interviews after M. Pharm. and interviews for PhDs and postdoctoral research, it identifies a glaring curricular gap where English language instruction fails to meet learners’ requirements. It is a qualitative study drawing on semi-structured interviews with ten teachers; it employs thematic analysis to determine the institutional and pedagogical factors in executing TBLT in pharmacy colleges to improve English fluency. Furthermore, it recommends evidence-based strategies and curriculum reforms to equip learners with essential academic and professional skills.
Downloads
References
Adrian, J. A. L., Zeszotarski, P., & Ma, C. (2015). Developing pharmacy student communication skills through role-playing and active learning. American journal of pharmaceutical education, 79(3), 44. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5688/ajpe79344
Albino, G. (2017). Improving speaking fluency in a task-based language teaching approach: The case of EFL learners at PUNIV-Cazenga. Sage open, 7(2), 2158244017691077. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244017691077
Aljasir, N. (2024). Implementing Task-Based Language Teaching in Saudi EFL Classrooms: An Analysis of Teacher Beliefs and Practices. International Journal of Teacher Education and Professional Development (IJTEPD), 7(1), 1-21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4018/IJTEPD.354736
Awandekar, N. B., Trivedi, R. V., & Umekar, M. J. (2016). Employability skills assessment amongst pharmacy post graduates in Nagpur region. Int J PharmSci Bus Manag, 4.
Basturkmen, H. (2015). Developing courses in English for specific purposes. Springer. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781410617040
Basturkmen, H. (2025). Core concepts in English for specific purposes. Cambridge University Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009376723
Bhanu, P. S., & Kumar, S. V. (2023). Communication and Socio-Affective Strategies Usage Among Tertiary Level ESL Learners
Boesen, K. P., Herrier, R. N., Apgar, D. A., & Jackowski, R. M. (2009). Improvisational exercises to improve pharmacy students' professional communication skills. American journal of pharmaceutical education, 73(2), 35. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9459(24)00606-5
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative research in psychology, 3(2), 77-101. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Carless, D. (2007). The suitability of task-based approaches for secondary schools: Perspectives from Hong Kong. System, 35(4), 595-608. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2007.09.003
David, W., & Willis, J. (2007). Doing Task-Based Teaching.
DR, S., Dubey, A., GS, R., & Hebbar, S. (2018). Importance of communication in pharmaceutical regulatory affairs. Manipal Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 4(2).
Dubey, A., Shriram, R. R. G., Hebbar, S., Shastry, C. S., & Charyulu, R. N. (2018). Role of Communication Skill and Good Documentation Practice in the Overall Development of the Pharmacy Graduates in India: An Observational Study with Classroom Record-Daily Laboratory Record-Human Resource Record (CR-DR-HR) Model. Indian J Pharm Educ Res, 52(4 Suppl 2), S158-63. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5530/ijper.52.4s.94
Ellis, R. (2003). Designing a task-based syllabus. RELC journal, 34(1), 64-81. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/003368820303400105
Hasan, S. (2008). A tool to teach communication skills to pharmacy students. American journal of pharmaceutical education, 72(3), 67. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9459(24)00422-4
Hasnain, S., & Halder, S. (2023). Task-based language teaching approach for improving speaking fluency: Case study of trainee teachers in West Bengal. World Futures, 79(7-8), 747-775. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02604027.2021.1996189
Ibrahim, Z. S., Hassali, M. A., Saleem, F., ul Haq, N., Khan, T. M., & Aljadhey, H. (2013). Perceptions and barriers towards English language proficiency among pharmacy undergraduates at Universiti Sains Malaysia. Pharmacy Education, 13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2014.07.098
Jalal, Z., Cox, A., Goel, N., Vaitha, N., King, K., & Ward, J. (2018). Communications skills in the pharmacy profession: a cross sectional survey of UK registered pharmacists and pharmacy educators. Pharmacy, 6(4), 132. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy6040132
Kerr, A., Strawbridge, J., Kelleher, C., Mertens, F., Pype, P., Deveugele, M., & Pawlikowska, T. (2017). How can pharmacists develop patient-pharmacist communication skills? A realist review protocol. Systematic reviews, 6(1), 14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-016-0396-0
Kimberlin, C. L. (2006). Communicating with patients: skills assessment in US colleges of pharmacy. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 70(3), 67. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5688/aj700367
Krashen, S. (1982). Principles and practice in second language acquisition. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-971X.1982.tb00476.x
Krishnan, D. G., Keloth, A. V., Ahmad, S., & Pg, M. (2023). Role play versus small group discussion in teaching prescription communication skills: a comparative study on students of phase two of the bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery (MBBS) course. Journal of advances in medical education & professionalism, 11(1), 34.
Lam, H. T. L., Nguyen, S. V., & Nguyen, H. A. T. (2021). University lecturers’ task-based language teaching beliefs and practices. Education Sciences, 11(11), 748. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11110748
Langley, C. A., & Aheer, S. (2010). Do pharmacy graduates possess the necessary professional skills?. Pharmacy Education, 10.
Lundquist, L. M., Shogbon, A. O., Momary, K. M., & Rogers, H. K. (2013). A comparison of students’ self-assessments with faculty evaluations of their communication skills. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 77(4), 72. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5688/ajpe77472
Lysetty, S., Naha, A., Nayak, U. Y., Ligade, V. S., Bhat, B. B., & Rani, U. (2023). Job skill assessment of pharmacy students in South Karnataka: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 13(7), 102-108. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7324/JAPS.2023.96024
Maganbhai, P. J. (2019). A study on professional development of english language teachers in higher education. International Journal of Research in Social Sciences, 9(12), 175-186.
McDonough, R. P., & Bennett, M. S. (2006). Improving communication skills of pharmacy students through effective precepting. American journal of pharmaceutical education, 70(3), 58. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5688/aj700358
Michael, V., & Kennedy, J. (2024). The problems and challenges to English language teaching in India: A review using Schwab's “Curriculum Commonplace” framework. South India Journal of Social Sciences, 21(7), 94–102. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58532/nbennurccch14
Musazay, A. M. S. (2017). Teachers’ Perspectives on Task-Based Language Teaching: A Case Study at International Islamic University Malaysia: A CASE STUDY. IIUM Journal of Educational Studies, 5(1), 62-75. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31436/ijes.v5i1.159
Nemade, V., Sharma, B., Ramachandran, M., & Fegade, V. (2018). Developing communication skill in a rural pharmacy college. Journal of Pharmacy Research, 12(4), 536.
Neupane, R. N. (2024). Perspectives and Practices of English Language Teachers on Task-Based Language Teaching. Butwal Campus Journal, 7(2), 91-101. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3126/bcj.v7i2.73185
Nunan, D. (2004). Task-based language teaching. Cambridge university press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511667336
Nurwanto, A., & Apriani, D. W. (2025). The Influence Of English Language Proficiency On Pharmacists’ Communication Skills In Pharmaceutical Services (Systematic Review). Jurnal Sains Farmasi Dan Kesehatan, 3(1), 56-59. DOI: https://doi.org/10.62379/jfkes.v3i1.2946
Paltridge, B., & Starfield, S. (Eds.). (2013). The handbook of English for specific purposes (Vol. 592). Boston: Wiley-blackwell. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118339855
Parkhurst, C. (1994). Assessing and improving students' verbal communication abilities in pharmacy courses. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 58(1), 50-54. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9459(24)02596-8
Pham, N. T., & Nguyen, H. B. (2018). TEACHERS’PERCEPTIONS ABOUT TASK-BASED LANGUAGE TEACHING AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION. European Journal of Foreign Language Teaching.
Puttagunta, S. B., Pulipati, S., & Oruganti, S. K. (2017). Effective precepting to enhance communication skills of pharmacy students. Pharma Times, 49(7), 9-13.
Rust, C., Gentry, W. M., & Ford, H. (2020). Assessment of the effect of communication skills training on communication apprehension in first year pharmacy students–a two-year study. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 12(2), 142-146. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cptl.2019.11.007
Sarmah, P., & Tamuli, A. (2023). ELT for Pharmaceutical Science Undergraduates: An Integration of Multidisciplinary Approaches. Journal of English Language Teaching, 65(2), 3-12.
Sharma, S., & Mishra, B. (2023). Communication skills for engineers and scientists. PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd..
Shinge, J., & Kotabagi, S. (2024). Augmenting Freshman Rural Engineering Students’ Interaction in English Language using Task Based Language Teaching (TBLT). Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 369-376. DOI: https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2024/v37is2/24064
Wallman, A., Vaudan, C., & Sporrong, S. K. (2013). Communications training in pharmacy education, 1995-2010. American journal of pharmaceutical education, 77(2), 36. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5688/ajpe77236
Xie, C., & Lan, G. (2025). The effectiveness of task-based language teaching in improving communicative competence. International Journal of Advanced and Applied Sciences, 12(1), 263–273. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21833/ijaas.2025.01.025
Yu, Y., Mofreh, S. A. M., & Salem, S. (2024). Speak Beyond Borders: A Systematic Review of Task-Based Language Teaching for EFL Speaking Proficiency. English language teaching, 17(7), 1-15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v17n7p15
Downloads
Published
Data Availability Statement
Not applicable
Issue
Section
How to Cite
