This publication provides essential reading for any language teacher. Pupil engagement in the language-learning process is key to success, and with this in mind the authors provide a comprehensive list of ideas as well as explaining the underlying principles of successful language-learning. Neil Jones, Assistant Headteacher Learning a language, especially in a class or group, is an intensely practical subject. Active participation by students is the key to successful language learning at any age or ability level. This book offers teachers a multitude of practical activities in which students take the lead, and clearly links these to the various linguistic and pragmatic skills. The book provides clear and comprehensive guidance on the classroom environment, models of teaching and learning, and assessment. It aims to help teachers plan engaging lessons which will enable all students to develop the key skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing in the target language. Topics covered include: The essentials of language learning Use of the target language; training the ear and training the voice Exploiting audio and video recordings Exploiting texts and pictures Using stories and drama in the classroom, and independent reading Making good use of written work Integrating multimedia resources and the Internet across the language skills Integrating grammar into communication Teaching and Learning Languages has been written in line with national and European language policies, reflecting contemporary trends in the teaching and learning of languages. The text’s focus on active learning and its indispensable guidance for planning lessons make it essential reading for all trainee and practising teachers.

Offers some theoretical innovations in teaching foreign languages and reports how they have been applied to curriculum development and experimental courses at the upper secondary and college levels. Approaches language learning as comprising several dimensions, including grammatical competence, change in attitudes, learning about another culture, and reflecting on one's own. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This book introduces a new field of educational research called teacher learning, as it applies to the teaching of languages. Up until recently, the study of second language teacher education has focused mainly on the knowledge base and specific skills needed for effective teaching. This book invites us to look at teacher education from a fresh point of view, through an exploration of the thinking and learning processes of individuals as they learn to teach. Seventeen original articles, based on studies done in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, provide examples of pioneering research into the ways that individuals learn to teach languages, and the roles that previous experience, social context, and professional training play in the process. The collection thus helps establish a research base for this newly developing field.

This exciting new publication featuring chapters from some of the foremost practitioners in the field of modern languages today closely examines research-based analysis, structural contexts and classroom practice in teaching and learning. After analysing the current situation, each author proposes radical solutions to current problems and the whole book provides much needed fresh thinking on methodology and pedagogy.

Scaffolding is a powerful tool for learning. It enables learners to achieve deep and meaningful learning through the provision of timely and constructive support. It is used as required, just-in-time, to bridge learning gaps, advance learning objectives, and build self-confidence throughout the learning community. Closely aligned to the concept of Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), scaffolding is a key element in learning languages and other subjects across the curriculum. This publication is about scaffolding which supports learning languages, learning about languages, and learning through languages (Halliday). By providing students with these tools for learning, the teacher can step back and truly become a 'guide on the side' whilst conducting and facilitating teaching through powerful learning environments. The 101 scaffolding techniques found in this book, alongside the templates in the digital annex, provide the reader with hands-on ideas and examples to develop innovative, exciting and empowered learning.

Teaching and Learning Foreign Languages provides a comprehensive history of language teaching and learning in the UK from its earliest beginnings to the year 2000. McLelland offers the first history of the social context of foreign language education in Britain, as well as an overview of changing approaches, methods and techniques in language teaching and learning. The important impact of classroom-external factors on developments in language teaching and learning is also taken into account, particularly regarding the policies and public examination requirements of the 20th century. Beginning with a chronological overview of language teaching and learning in Britain, McLelland explores which languages were learned when, why and by whom, before examining the social history of language teaching and learning in greater detail, addressing topics including the status that language learning and teaching have held in society. McLelland also provides a history of how languages have been taught, contrasting historical developments with current orthodoxies of language teaching. Experiences outside school are discussed with reference to examples from adult education, teach-yourself courses and military language learning. Providing an accessible, authoritative history of language education in Britain, Teaching and Learning Foreign Languages will appeal to academics and postgraduate students engaged in the history of education and language learning across the world. The book will also be of interest to teacher educators, trainee and practising teachers, policymakers and curriculum developers.

"Based on the selected proceedings from an international conference Concept of progression in foreign language teaching and learning, held in Dublin in February 2004"--Cover.

“How we’re going about it” provides a space for teachers’ voices in the nexus between research and practice by outlining specific cases of innovative approaches to language teaching and learning as they have been applied in the classroom. The volume includes descriptions of some of the most representative recent work and practice in the field while at the same time covering a wide geographic scope. The case descriptions help synthesize research and teaching practice in a way that is accessible to busy teachers, teacher trainers or anyone interested in language development. Each chapter focuses on a similar approach taken by teachers and researchers from different countries and while the book contains contributions from some well-known authors, it also includes contributions from lesser-known practitioners who merit recognition of their innovative practices. This book is an important contribution to language teaching and learning for several reasons. It deals with educational innovation at various levels of education (young learners, primary, secondary, tertiary); it deals with perspectives from different areas of Europe and beyond; and it provides examples of grass-roots experiences being carried out by real teachers in real classrooms and is honest about the problems faced when implementing educational changes. It is therefore a book about authentic experiences with both a theoretical and problem-solving base, experiences which in turn make an important contribution to the underlying theories described herein.

Since its original publication in 1968, Rivers's comprehensive and practical text has become a standard reference for both student teachers and veteran instructors. All who wish to draw from the most recent thinking in the field will welcome this new edition. Methodology is appraised, followed up by discussions on such matters as keeping students of differing abilities active, evaluating textbooks, using language labs creatively, and preparing effective exercises and drills. The author ends each chapter of this new edition with questions for research and discussion—a useful classroom tool—and provides an up-to-date bibliography that facilitates further understanding of such matters as the bilingual classroom.