The authors set out to define the aims, principles and objectives of recent research into what exactly happens in the language classroom, to describe the findings of this work, and to relate these to teaching practice.
This book reignites discussion on the importance of collaboration and innovation in language education. The pivotal difference highlighted in this volume is the concept of team learning through collaborative relationships such as team teaching. It explores ways in which team learning happens in ELT environments and what emerges from these explorations is a more robust concept of team learning in language education. Coupled with this deeper understanding, the value of participant research is emphasised by defining the notion of ‘team’ to include all participants in the educational experience. Authors in this volume position practice ahead of theory as they struggle to make sense of the complex phenomena of language teaching and learning. The focus of this book is on the nexus between ELT theory and practice as viewed through the lens of collaboration. The volume aims to add to the current knowledge base in order to bridge the theory-practice gap regarding collaboration for innovation in language classrooms.
Focus on Learning Technologies helps teachers understand the role of digital technologies in supporting language learning for second or foreign language learners aged 5–18. Drawing on research with school-age learners, the book equips teachers with the knowledge necessary to make effective and principled decisions about choosing and using learning technologies in their own language classes. The book provides an accessible overview of key research studies on learning technologies, considers examples from real classroom practice, and provides activities to help teachers relate the content to their own teaching contexts. Additional online resources at www.oup.com/elt/teacher/folt Nicky Hockly is Director of Pedagogy at award-winning online training and development organisation The Consultants-E (www.theconsultants-e.com). Oxford Key Concepts Series Advisers: Patsy M. Lightbown and Nina Spada
Focus on Reading aims to help teachers develop a deep understanding of the multiple skills and factors involved in second language reading development for second or foreign language learners aged 5–18. It equips teachers with practical skills for the effective teaching and assessment of second language reading to students with different learning needs. The book features key research studies on reading comprehension, considers examples from real classroom practice, and provides activities to help teachers relate the content and objectives to their own teaching context. Additional online resources at www.oup.com/elt/teacher/for Esther Geva is Full Professor in the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto. Gloria Ramírez is Associate Professor in the Faculty of Human, Social, and Educational Development at Thompson Rivers University, British Columbia.
When students are motivated, they are more confident and successful in their learning. But what is at the heart of a motivated learner? This book discusses the five elements of motivation--the teacher, teaching methodology, the text, the task, and the test--and explores how to use these 5 Ts to impact student motivation.
This comprehensive collection, comprising both theoretical and practical contributions, is unique in its focus on language learning strategy instruction (LLSI). The chapters, written by leading international experts, embrace both sociolinguistic and psycholinguistic perspectives. The issues presented include different models of strategy instruction and how they can be tailored according to context and the learners’ age and attainment level. The collection will be an important resource for researchers in the field, both for its critical perspectives and its guidance on collaborating with teachers to design interventions to implement strategy instruction. It also identifies key areas for research, including the teaching of less studied groups of strategies such as grammar and affective strategies. The book will prove equally valuable to language teachers through the provision of detailed teaching materials and tasks. Those engaged in professional development, whether pre- or in-service teacher education, will find a wealth of concrete ideas for sessions, courses and assignments.
Focus on Grammar and Meaning explores how to teach grammar effectively to second or foreign language learners aged 5–18. It provides teachers with research insights that will help them to reflect on their classroom practice and enable them to experiment with different ways of teaching grammar. Taking a ‘systemic-functional’ approach, the authors emphasize the importance of linking language and meaning in teaching. Key research studies on grammar instruction are featured, examples from real classroom practice are examined, and activities are provided to help teachers relate the content to their own teaching context. Additional online resources at www.oup.com/elt/teacher/fogm Luciana C. de Oliveira is Associate Professor of TESOL and Applied Linguistics at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York. Mary J. Schleppegrell is Professor of Education at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.