There are several issues in English teaching on which applied linguists take very different positions: e.g. linguistic imperialism, the validity of critical discourse analysis, the pedagogic relevance of corpus descriptions of language, the theoretical bases of second language acquisition research, the nature of applied linguistics itself. This book presents exchanges between scholars arguing different positions, and directs attention to the key points at issue.

This thought-provoking and informative collection of essays covers a broad spectrum of topics including: - Why the communicative approach is dead and what to do about it - How to implement blended learning in day-to-day English teaching - Virtual worlds and why English teachers should get a second life - The different roles played by the language teacher - The value of translation in language teaching - Whether native English speakers really make better teachers - Why you should NOT be teaching International English - A more effective way to teach Technical English - The truth about Superlearning and suggestopaedia - The secret to being a good English teacher And as you might expect from a book subtitled what you always wanted to know about teaching English but were afraid to ask, it even includes a chapter on teaching the English of that forbidden subject, sex. Also released for the first time in book form are chapters on the author's unique insight into the correlation between language, set theory and fractal mathematics - and the consequences for English teachers. 'Controversy is evident from the very first chapter ... it was high time to dust off the cobwebs in the EFL/ELT business.' 'This book provides a refreshing look at old concepts, opens our eyes to new perspectives and encourages teachers to venture along new paths.' - Elke Schulth, Chair of ELTAS

Second Language Learning and Language Teaching provides an introduction to the application of second language acquisition research to language teaching. Assuming no previous background in second language acquisition or language teaching methods, this text starts by introducing readers to the basic issues of second language acquisition research. It then examines how people learn particular aspects of the second language, such as grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and the writing system, and at the strategies they adopt in their learning and the differences between individuals. Final chapters look at second language learning in a broader context – the goals of language teaching and how teaching methods relate to SLA research. This newly updated fifth edition builds on the comprehensive scope of earlier editions while also addressing more recent developments in the field, particularly multilingual approaches to language teaching.

This edited volume provides innovative insights into how critical language pedagogy and taboo topics can inform and transform the teaching and learning of foreign languages. The book investigates the potential as well as the challenges involved in dealing with taboo topics in the foreign language classroom. Traditionally subsumed under the acronym PARSNIP (politics, alcohol, religion, narcotics, isms, and pork). By examining how additional controversial topics such as disability, racism, conspiracy theories and taboo language can be integrated into conceptual teaching frameworks and teaching practice, this edited volume draws on examples from literary texts and pop culture such as young adult novels, music videos, or rap songs and investigates their potential for developing critical literacies. The book considers foreign language teaching outside of English teaching contexts and sets the groundwork for addressing the integration of taboo topics in foreign language education theory, research, and practice. Filling an important gap in educational research, the book will be of great interest to researchers, academics, and students of foreign language education, critical pedagogy, and applied linguistics. It will also be useful reading for teacher trainers and educators of foreign language education. Chapter 1 of this book is available for free in PDF format as Open Access from the individual product page at www.taylorfrancis.com. It has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Funded by the University of Bamberg.

Can I Teach This is a practical guide for courageous teachers. It tells engaging stories and presents hands-on strategies to help teachers build the case for why they should be allowed to have the kind of classroom conversations about controversial books and topics that they want to have but are worried they will get in trouble for having.

In a conservative educational climate that is dominated by policies like No Child Left Behind, one of the most serious effects has been for educators to worry about the politics of what they are teaching and how they are teaching it. As a result, many dedicated teachers choose to avoid controversial issues altogether in preference for "safe" knowledge and "safe" teaching practices. Diana Hess interrupts this dangerous trend by providing readers a spirited and detailed argument for why curricula and teaching based on controversial issues are truly crucial at this time. Through rich empirical research from real classrooms throughout the nation, she demonstrates why schools have the potential to be particularly powerful sites for democratic education and why this form of education must include sustained attention to authentic and controversial political issues that animate political communities. The purposeful inclusion of controversial issues in the school curriculum, when done wisely and well, can communicate by example the essence of what makes communities democratic while simultaneously building the skills and dispositions that young people will need to live in and improve such communities.