This edited volume brings together several original studies that critically examine the quantitative and qualitative effects of service-learning (SL) on foreign and second language learning, and its impact on communities, learners, pre-service teacher candidates, and faculty-researchers. The book focuses on two key aspects: Innovative SL methodologies that seek to develop linguistic and cultural competencies and empirical investigations on the SL effects on all stakeholders. The analysis presented provides a unique insight into the challenges and future directions of SL research, pedagogical assessment, and community impact.

The goal of foreign language teaching is expanding from communicative competence towards an intercultural action competence. Essential in the new orientation is the shift towards a more balanced emphasis between the external factors in the learning environment and the personal capacity, conceptions, beliefs and assumptions inside the learner's mind. As part of the changes, assessment is seen as an important means of enhancing the elearning processes, emphasising the role of refelctive self-assessment. The text explores and integrates the necessary knowledge base and practices in foreign language education in terms of the basic concepts of experiential learning, intercultural learning, autobiographical knowledge and teacher development, together with the philosophical underpinnings of foreign language education.

This state-of-the-art volume offers a comprehensive, accessible, and uniquely interdisciplinary examination of social factors’ role in second language acquisition (SLA) through different theoretical paradigms, methodological traditions, populations, contexts, and language groups. Top scholars from around the world synthesize current and past work, contextualize the central issues, and set the future research agenda on second language variation, including languages studied or taught less commonly. This will be an indispensable resource to scholars and advanced students of SLA, applied linguistics, education, and other fields interested in the social aspects of language learning in research practice and instruction.

Recognizing the need for increased social justice in the fields of TESOL and English language teaching (ELT) globally, this volume presents a range of international case studies and empirical research to demonstrate how English language instruction can promote social and linguistic justice through advocacy-oriented pedagogies and curricula. Advocacy for Social and Linguistic Justice in TESOL adopts a critical, and evidence-based approach to identifying effective practice in ensuring inclusive and equitable learning and teaching. Chapters address emergent issues including heritage language and L1 attrition, teacher and learner identity, and linguistic colonialism, as well as wider issues such as global citizenship and human rights. Focus is placed on empowering both educators and learners as advocates of social justice and consideration is also given to how social responsibility can be supported through enhanced teacher preparation and professional development. Making a timely contribution at the intersection of advocacy, social justice, and English language teaching, this book will be key reading for postgraduate researchers, scholars, and academics in the fields of TESOL and ELT, as well as language education, applied linguistics, and the sociology of education more broadly. English language teachers and practitioners will also find this volume of interest.

This book considers the past, present and future directions of innovation in US-based Intensive English Programs (IEPs), which provide international students with an immersion-style environment for learning academic English, prior to matriculating into a full-time college or university degree program. IEPs frequently serve as sites for pre-service teacher preparation, curricular experimentation and research, and yet little published work takes a critical look at the advantages and shortcomings of such programs. The chapters in this book provide a nuanced view of this microcosm of the English language teaching industry, demonstrating the various ways that IEPs have impacted and continue to influence the wider fields of Applied Linguistics and TESOL. They emphasize the unique positioning of IEPs within higher education and describe the various ways IEP practitioners can influence their host institutions and beyond.

As an added value, the book describes and provides contact information for national organizations that support service-learning and resources that are useful in helping students make postcollege service and career choices. Service-Learning in Higher Education is an invaluable resource for all campus professionals - including faculty members, student affairs practitioners, and senior academic leaders who are interested in advancing the goals of student learning and development while simultaneously making a unique contribution to the community.

This book on service-learning provides a current view of service-learning research in the second language classroom and practical applications for the acquisition of both cultural knowledge as well as the different language modalities. This book helps in understanding how using service-learning in the language classroom can facilitate language acquisition. The author addresses many of the challenges faced by teachers in the second language classroom as they try to implement service-learning programs in their curriculum. Based on the research as well as the experience of the author and other practitioners in the field, suggestions are given in each chapter as to how to maximize student learning and acquisition of specific aspects of a language as well as on the formation of successful programs and service-learning experiences. These suggestions are integrated into the individual chapters based on the focus of the unit. This text shows how service-learning allows students real world application of the language they are learning in the classroom. This text discusses how service-learning assists students in contextualizing their learning and seeing the reality of their field of study and the applicability of their language classes to settings that they encounter in their own communities. Finally, at all levels teachers, professors, and administrators are being asked to provide standards and assessments to demonstrate achievement and excellence in their different fields. This text addresses how service-learning aids students in meeting these proficiency standards and helps them achieve many of the goals set forth by national and international foreign/second language learning organizations.