Modern language classrooms are currently dominated by the communicative method of language teaching. This reader draws together recent and newly commissioned papers to show the origins of communicative methodology, how it has developed, what its research justification is and how it can most effectively be used in the classroom. Various chapters examine the particular challenges of differentiation, teaching grammar, encouraging pupils to use the target language together and teaching a foreign language to children with special educational needs. The final section discusses ways of developing creativity in the modern languages classroom through the use of drama, creative writing and role play. Anyone involved in teaching modern languages will find this reader a rich source for reflection and good practice.

Issues in Modern Foreign Languages Teaching draws together a range of issues in the teaching of modern foreign languages into one volume that will encourage students and newly qualified teachers to consider and reflect on the issues so that they can make a reasoned and informed judgement about their teaching of MFL. It will be relevant for students and newly qualified teachers at both primary and secondary level and will fill a gap in their knowledge due to time constraints - and an emphasis on standards - on ITT and PGCE courses.

Effective Learning and Teaching in Modern Languages offers insights from the latest research into learning and teaching a language, and also outlines innovative teaching techniques, covering all the critical subjects including: the demands made of students and staff in modern languages the four language skills assessment, grammar, vocabulary and translation technology-enhanced learning residence abroad subdisciplines such as business, area, cultural and literary studies, and linguistics professional development. Providing both a clear overview of the discipline and a wealth of techniques, practical advice and useful resources, this book will be welcomed by lecturers or tutors new to the profession and experienced lecturers wanting to keep up with the latest developments and improve their students' learning.

The skills and process of teaching modern foreign languages in schools and colleges are the specific focus of this volume. It covers the changing nature of A and A/S level courses, planning, teaching and assessment.

This edited collection sets out the case for teaching modern languages across the curriculum and provides practical strategies for its implementation.

`This is an important book. A very important book. It is important because it both challenges traditional understandings of language teaching and learning in universities, and rejects new understandings which only devalue the potential power of language learning.... This is not, however, merely a critique. The authors offer a compelling alternative, and do so in a language and style which mirror the alternative proposed.... The authors illustrate their ideas through snapshots of classroom practices which help to build up a picture of what is meant. Such illustrations are invaluable′ - Teaching in Higher Education ′Every so often a book comes along filled with so much wisdom, critical insight, and sheer humanity that it takes one′s breath away. Modern Languages is such a book. Reclaiming language as both a site of struggle and a crucial sphere of politics, Alison Phipps and Mike Gonzalez make it clear that matters of language lie at the heart of any viable pedagogy in which democracy matters. But not a language(s) drained of critical possibilities, passion, power, or imagination, but language as the context and medium in which meaning is produced, affective investments made, and experiences are given legitimacy. Any educator, parent, student, or citizen of the world who cares about democracy, pedagogy, and the crucial role of modern languages creating the conditions for agency, politics, and, yes, hope should read this book′ - Professor Henry Giroux, Waterbury Chair, Penn State University, USA ′I expect it will become a much-thumbed handbook for teachers in search of inspiration, and I am sure it will be a catalyst to further debate and exploration. But I suspect it may also become a turning point for thinking about modern languages. This book exudes life and hope. It shows a future where languages can thrive because they are an integral and indispensable part of what it means to be human. It is an exhilarating prospect to help to bring that future closer′ - Professor Michael Kelly, Director, Subject Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies, University of Southampton ′Modern Languages is argumentative in the best sense: it is intellectually ambitious and is making a bold and brave argument of its own. The story is exciting, and offers a radical way of reconceiving teaching and learning in languages. It is written with evident passion and conviction and it seeks to reach out to an audience. The authors come across as committed and even as brilliant teachers. This is a book for its age but yet may have a long shelf-life. It has made me think about modern languages and language teaching and learning in quite new ways′ - Professor Ronald Barnett, Institute of Education, University of London ′This book pushes the traditional field of Modern Languages into new challenges and it crosses intradisciplinary borders between different languages and cultures. It is intrinsically about languaging and about being intercultural. The authors argue that languages are "a social justice issue", give voice to language users in general and to language students in particular and engage into powerful, erudite, reflexive and critical insights. This book portrays language and culture education as a passionate, intelligent and committed undertaking. In sum, it is essential and stimulating reading for those Language and Culture educators, teaching in Modern Language Departments from universities all over the world, who dare′ - Dr Manuela Guilherme, Researcher, Center for Social Studies, Universidade de Coimbra This accessible book aims to challenge and stimulate all those engaged with teaching modern languages in higher education. It is not a `how to′ book; rather it engages with the complex, often paradoxical position of modern languages today, and offers arguments for, and illustrations of the ways in which teachers of modern languages can position themselves critically in that rapidly changing context. It works with the concepts of languaging and being intercultural, which arise from a rigorous examination of research findings, a challenging critique of current models of work within the discipline and a reflection on existing teaching practices. Beginning with an examination of the ′crisis′ in modern languages in the U.K. and North America, the authors draw on data and descriptions of learning experiences in the field and position themselves critically within the debates. Key problems for teachers and learners are identified and elaborated through examples of critical incidents which point to generic as well as specific issues and solutions in teaching languages in higher education. The Teaching & Learning in the Humanities series, edited by Ellie Chambers and Jan Parker, is for beginning and experienced lecturers. It deals with all aspects of teaching individual arts and humanities subjects in higher education. Experienced teachers offer authoritative suggestions on how to become critically reflective about discipline-specific practices.

Praise for previous editions:- ‘A wealth of theory, research, practical advice, case studies and tasks in one volume...Indispensable for both HEI tutors and mentors, and an important book to recommend to all MFL students.' – Language Learning Journal ‘Presenting clear, straightforward, factual information on all current issues facing MFL student teachers ... An excellent reference guide during the first years of teaching.' – Mentoring and Tutoring Learning to Teach Foreign Languages in the Secondary School has established itself as the leading textbook for student teachers of foreign languages in the UK and internationally. The practical focus is underpinned by a theoretical perspective and backed up by the latest research, encouraging you to develop a personal approach to foreign language teaching. This new, fourth edition, has been comprehensively updated to take account of recent policy and curriculum changes, and now covers a range of relevant statutory frameworks. Fully revised chapters cover the key knowledge and skills essential for becoming a foreign language teacher: What can we learn from research into language teaching and learning? Teaching methods and learning strategies Creating a meaningful learning environment Transition from Primary to Secondary The role of digital technologies Teaching in the target language Receptive skills and productive skills Teaching and learning grammar Planning and reflecting on classroom practice Pupil differences and differentiation Assessment for and of learning It includes many examples of how to analyse practice to ensure pupil learning is maximised, together with activities and tasks to support you as you analyse your own learning and performance. Learning to Teach Foreign Languages in the Secondary School provides practical help and support for many of the situations and potential challenges you are faced with in school. It is an essential purchase for every aspiring secondary foreign languages school teacher.

This lively and inspiring collection of readings is divided into three sections: 'Developing teaching strategies and effective classroom management' covers all major aspects of classroom practice; 'Planning, evaluating and assessing MFL learning' is a guide to the day to day requirements and practicalities of MFL teaching; 'In search of a wider perspective' considers how MFL teaching might develop and expand, and its place outside the classroom. Fully engaged with teaching and learning MFL at a practical level, it illustrates concepts and good practice through a braod range of classroom-based examples and case studies. Issues covered in this book include: maximising potential engaging pupils in their learning developing listening, reading and oral skills use of information communication technology assessment and differentiation broadening the content of MFL lessons role play in the language class MFL beyond the classroom.

This volume offers diverse perspectives on language and culture teaching explored against the background of a fast-paced globalized world of increased mobility and opportunity. While teachers are pressed to reinvent and adapt the existing teaching practices, researchers are invited to conduct studies with a view of implementing the findings in the classroom practice. This collection presents discussions of different aspects of foreign language instruction, language skills and learning strategies, and foreign languages in professional contexts, as well as the role of intercultural competence in language teaching and teacher education. Offering insights into a variety of foreign language and culture teaching contexts throughout Europe, this volume will be of interest to researchers and practitioners in applied linguistics and language and culture teaching methodology, including both experienced and novice language teachers, in the Balkan region and beyond.