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.

This book equips pre-service language teachers with research and inquiry skills which they can use in the course of their classroom teaching. Research is presented not as an additional burden in teachers’ busy lives but as an integrated tool for satisfying their curiosity, developing an investigative stance, and strengthening the links between theory and practice. Over the course of the book, the authors introduce and encourage the use of pedagogically exploitable pedagogic-research activities (PEPRAs) to develop a deeper understanding of pedagogic issues in an engaging, supportive, and collaborative way. This book will be of interest to students and instructors on TESOL and related courses, as well as practitioners working in the teacher training sector.

How do learners learn to speak a foreign language? What different approaches have been developed to teach this important skill? Speaking deals with both these questions, providing clear explanations of recent research and developments in methodology. In the final section the author suggests practical ways in which teachers can gain a better understanding of the role of oral classroom activities.

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.