This book argues controversially that second-language acquisition has much in common with other forms of skill learning, and that there is much to be learned about the business of language teaching by considering the views and practices of teachers in other domains. For many Applied Linguists, language is unique among human skills, incomparable in its acquisition and use to other forms of behaviour. Their study of second-language learning and teaching may thus draw on knowledge about first-language acquisition, but not on what is known about the learning of non-linguistic skills. This book argues against such an approach. It begins by considering arguments for and against the uniqueness of language. It reviews the recent literature in second-language acquisition, looking both at general learning theories (which account for language alongside other skills) and opposing theories (mostly based on the study of Universal Grammar). The book then turns to language teaching, and in a programmatic way considers what insights may be gained by viewing language within a general skills framework. Particular attention is given to how the teacher may help students to make consciously learned language automatic.

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.

This book examines the processes involved in acquiring language skills, both mental and social, and the notion of what makes a skilled language learner. At the same time the author discusses what is known about teaching procedures and how they are used by the learner; how tasks are set up, how tasks determine the student's approach, how teachers' feedback is formulated, and how students use the feedback and incorporate it in the development of their skills in the language.

Leadership skills are indispensable in language teaching and learning, and the effectiveness of these skills directly affect the quality of language education, the soundness of a program, and the satisfaction level of both teachers and students in the language classrooms and beyond. Part 1 of this collection provides the theoretical underpinnings of leadership development. Part 2 focuses on leadership skills and strategies on the topics of interpersonal communication, personal organization skills, and program organization skills. Part 3 discusses ELT leadership issues in U.S. public schools. The contributors to this volume include leaders who have contributed to the TESOL profession in various capacities. Their collective expertise makes this volume an excellent resource for teachers and program directors.

This book offers a range of perspectives and insights from around the world on the teaching and learning of listening, speaking, reading and writing. It brings together contributors from across six continents, who analyse a wide range of teaching and learning contexts, including primary, secondary, tertiary, private, and adult ESL/EFL classes. In doing so, they provide locally relevant accounts that nonetheless resonate with other contexts and wider concerns. This informative and practical edited collection will appeal to students and scholars who are interested in the four building blocks of language learning, as well as language education and teacher education.

A comprehensive account of the research and practice of task-based language teaching.

This module on computer assisted language learning provides novice and experienced second and foreign language (L2) teachers alike with an introduction to the field of computer assisted language learning (CALL). The module first provides a historical overview of the field and then explores the most widely researched areas within CALL. The module examines findings of research into computer-mediated communication for L2 learning as well as L2 skill area instruction in technology-enhanced settings. The unit then turns to a discussion of teacher and learner standards for using CALL, followed by a discussion of how one may find and evaluate CALL resources appropriate for specific instructional contexts. The module ends with an introduction to four of the newest and most exciting areas in CALL: gaming, fan fiction, digital story telling, and mobile assisted language learning. Please visit the series companion website for more information: http://routledgetextbooks.com/textbooks/9781315679594/

The book, Teaching and Learning for Adult Skill Acquisition: Applying the Dreyfus and Dreyfus Model in Different Fields, will fill a unique niche in the field of adult, higher, and workforce education. It offers a current volume for scholars and practitioners based on both empirical studies and practice-based research on adult skill acquisition and development. Dreyfus and Dreyfus (1980, 1988, 2004, 2008) developed the novice to expert model of skill acquisition that illustrates growth over the course of a person’s career in a particular domain. The skill model highlights a learner’s movement across six levels of skill development: novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, expert, and mastery. This book will present examples of the application of the Dreyfus and Dreyfus model in different fields (i.e., health care, education, law enforcement, business, serious gaming, military, ethics training, etc.) providing insight into how practitioners can develop their skills in their particular domains and how educators can promote this development. This collection will be appropriate for a wide variety of professors, researchers, practitioners, and students in the field of adult, higher, and workforce education.

Communicative Language and Teaching in Action: Putting Principles to Work serves as an engaging and informative guide for second and foreign language teachers in training or for those pursuing a new career as language educators. The text demonstrates principles and practices of communicative and task-based language teaching, equipping readers with an innovative and effective approach to language instruction. The conceptual foundation of the book is based upon theoretical and empirical findings drawn from second language acquisition research, cognitive psychology, and brain research. It emphasizes successful instructional practices in a communicative and task-based approach to language learning. The book features copious examples of learning activities in different languages and lessons developed by experienced language teachers. Dedicated chapters cover the principles of communicative language teaching and task-based instruction; lesson planning; vocabulary and grammar in language learning; feedback and error correction; the development of listening, oral communication, reading, and writing skills; and assessment. The second edition features updated literature review in all chapters, new and dynamic teacher-training tasks, and reorganized and fresh content throughout the text, as well as a new chapter on writing and language learning. Communicative Language Teaching in Action is an ideal resource for courses and programs in foreign language education.