The professional development programme (PDP) drew for its design on programmes recommended for their success in other contexts, but was unique for its innovatory combination of specific forms of content ('task-based learning') and process (a 'coaching approach'), and for its adaptation to the needs of EFL primary school teachers in Thailand. Task-based learning (TBL) was recommended in the literature for its success in helping teachers to focus on student learning, and providing explicit practices to implement the principles of communicative language teaching (CLT) as required by the new curriculum. A coaching approach was claimed to assist teachers by clearly explaining theoretical concepts and their practical implementation at the classroom level, simplifying the steps for implementation in the classroom context and supporting teachers through the process of change.