New Perspectives on the Development of Communicative and Related Competence in Foreign Language Education

New Perspectives on the Development of Communicative and Related Competence in Foreign Language Education

Author: Izumi Walker

Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG

Published: 2018-08-21

Total Pages: 396

ISBN-13: 1501505033

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Nearly half a century has passed since Hymes proposed the concept of communicative competence to describe the knowledge and skills required for the appropriate use of language in a social context. During these decades, a number of scholars have applied and refined this concept. In language education, communicative competence has been identified as a major objective of learning. This book will inform readers about communicative competence as a highly complex construct encompassing an array of sub-competencies such as linguistic skills and proficiencies, knowledge of socio-cultural and socio-pragmatic codes, and the ability to engage in textual and conversational discourse. Findings from research in related disciplines have pointed to the significance of factors that can contribute to the attainment of communicative competence. Various teaching practices and relevant Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools will be also introduced and discussed to achieve communicative competence as a complex ability. It is a timely contribution to current research on key areas in the teaching, learning and acquisition of second/foreign languages.


New Trends in Foreign Language Teaching

New Trends in Foreign Language Teaching

Author: António Lopes

Publisher:

Published: 2018

Total Pages: 312

ISBN-13: 9781527505971

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"Language teaching approaches, methods and procedures are constantly undergoing reassessment. New ideas keep emerging as the growing complexity of the means of communication and the opportunities created by technology put language skills to new uses. In addition, the political, social and economic impact of globalisation, the new demands of the labour market that result from it, the pursuit of competitiveness, the challenges of intercultural communication and the diversification of culture have opened new perspectives on the central role that foreign languages have come to play in the development of contemporary societies. This book provides an insight into the latest developments in the field and discusses the new trends in foreign language teaching in four major areas, namely methods and approaches, teacher training, innovation in the classroom, and evaluation and assessment."


Global Perspectives on Effective Assessment in English Language Teaching

Global Perspectives on Effective Assessment in English Language Teaching

Author: Fernández Álvarez, Miguel

Publisher: IGI Global

Published: 2023-08-25

Total Pages: 307

ISBN-13: 1668482142

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English language programs depend on the effective assessment of the measure of student proficiency for purposes of placement, advancement, and completion. A variety of approaches may be adopted depending on the program, its objectives, and the students it serves. Teachers and administrators in many contexts may also be required to meet institutional accountability expectations, often externally imposed and related to accreditation standards. The need for appropriate and accurate assessment of student learning, whether internally sought or externally required, provides the opportunity for teachers and administrators to consider current practices, implement reforms, and because of ongoing assessment findings, improve student learning through curricular change, teacher training, and modification of classroom practice. Global Perspectives on Effective Assessment in English Language Teaching explores approaches, models, principles, and techniques related to effective assessment at the classroom and program levels. Covering topics such as language program evaluation, curriculum alignment, and alternative assessment methods, this book is ideal for classroom teachers, administrators, researchers, and students.


New perspectives on teaching and working with languages in the digital era

New perspectives on teaching and working with languages in the digital era

Author: Antonio Pareja-Lora

Publisher: Research-publishing.net

Published: 2016-05-01

Total Pages: 408

ISBN-13: 1908416343

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This volume offers a comprehensive, empirical and methodological view over new scenarios recently emerged in language teaching and learning, such as blended learning, e-learning, ubiquitous, social, autonomous or lifelong learning, and also over some new (ICT-based) approaches that can support them (CALL, MALL, CLIL, LMOOCs).


Journeys Towards Intercultural Capability in Language Classrooms

Journeys Towards Intercultural Capability in Language Classrooms

Author: Martin East

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2022

Total Pages: 193

ISBN-13: 9811909911

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This open access book presents an account of five teacher educators who, over a two-year period, undertook a research project with five teachers of languages other than English in pre-secondary schools in New Zealand. Their collaborative aim was to develop students’ intercultural capability in the context of learning a new language. The school participants were typical of many in New Zealand’s pre-secondary sector; the teachers had limited language-teaching experience and limited prior knowledge of how to develop the intercultural dimension in their language classrooms, and the students were largely at the beginning stages of learning a new language. The book discusses the findings obtained using a range of data collection methods, including classroom observations, reflective interviews with teachers, and focus groups with students. It documents instances of breakthrough and growth for teachers and students and reveals the problems and tensions. Lastly, it reflects on the lessons learned in the course of this project and speculates on the roles that teacher education needs to play if the goal of intercultural capability is to be better achieved in language classrooms, both in New Zealand and internationally. Of interest to a wide range of stakeholders in the area of education, the book allows readers to gain an understanding of the opportunities of working with teachers through an action–research model, alongside the challenges that this brings and ways in which intercultural capability may be strengthened.


Study Abroad and the Second Language Learner

Study Abroad and the Second Language Learner

Author: Martin Howard

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2020-12-10

Total Pages: 273

ISBN-13: 1350104213

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Situated at the interface between study abroad and second language acquisition research, this book adopts a threefold thematic focus to study abroad and the language learner, investigating learner beliefs about study abroad, learner experiences of study abroad in relation to a range of individual, cultural and social factors, and the nature of learner development while abroad at an intercultural, personal and linguistic level. Chapters present studies of learners in different geographical contexts, with different first and second language combinations. The studies draw on different methodologies, incorporating quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method approaches. Presenting findings with implications for learner preparation, expectations and support during study abroad, and highlighting developmental issues within second language acquisition, Study Abroad and the Second Language Learner will be of interest to all study abroad and second language acquisition researchers, as well as programme organisers, language instructors and other stake holders.


Technology-Mediated Language Learning and Teaching

Technology-Mediated Language Learning and Teaching

Author: Vurdien, Ruby

Publisher: IGI Global

Published: 2024-07-24

Total Pages: 460

ISBN-13:

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In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, language educators face the daunting challenge of effectively integrating advanced digital technologies into their teaching practices. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of online and blended learning environments, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to engage students. However, many educators need access to comprehensive resources that detail cutting-edge research and practical strategies for incorporating digital tools into language instruction. Technology-Mediated Language Learning and Teaching is a timely solution to this pressing issue, offering a comprehensive overview of the latest research and theoretical frameworks in using advanced digital technologies in language education. By exploring topics such as gamification, social media, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality, this book provides educators with a roadmap for enhancing student engagement and improving learning outcomes. Through a combination of theoretical insights and practical case studies, this volume equips educators with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the complex landscape of technology-enhanced language learning.


Foundational Principles of Task-Based Language Teaching

Foundational Principles of Task-Based Language Teaching

Author: Martin East

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2021-06-30

Total Pages: 188

ISBN-13: 1000398447

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This book is available Open Access. This book introduces readers to the concept of task-based language teaching (TBLT), a learner-centred and experiential approach to language teaching and learning. Based on the premise that language learners can enhance their second language acquisition (SLA) through engagement in communicative tasks that compel them to use language for themselves, TBLT stands in contrast to more traditional approaches. Accessible and comprehensive, this book provides a foundational overview of the principles and practice of TBLT and demystifies what TBLT looks like in the classroom. Complete with questions for reflection, pedagogical extensions for application in real classrooms and further reading suggestions in every chapter, this valuable and informative text is vital for anyone interested in TBLT, whether as students, researchers or teachers.


Interaction, Feedback and Task Research in Second Language Learning

Interaction, Feedback and Task Research in Second Language Learning

Author: Alison Mackey

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2020-08-06

Total Pages: 269

ISBN-13: 1108603475

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The role of interaction and corrective feedback is central to research in second language learning and teaching, and this volume is the first of its kind to explain and apply design methodologies and materials in an approachable way. Using examples from interaction, feedback and task studies, it presents clear and practical advice on how to carry out research in these areas, providing step-by step guides to design and methodological principles, suggestions for reading, short activities, memory aids and an A-Z glossary for easy reference. Its informative approach to study design, and in-depth discussions of implementing research methodology, make it accessible to novice and experienced researchers alike. Commonly used tools in these paradigms are explained, including stimulated recalls, surveys, eye-tracking, metanalysis and research synthesis. Open research areas and gaps in the literature are also discussed, providing a point-of-departure for researchers making their first foray into interaction, feedback and task-based teaching research.