A thoroughly updated edition of this award-winning, accessible guide to the study of language acquisition. How can it be used?
Suitable to be adopted on Diploma and MA courses. Develops teachers by discussing background principles and encouraging them to undertake small-scale action research projects.
Key features
- A readable introduction to the main theories of first and second language acquisition, relating them to approaches to
classroom methodology and practice.
- Provides a link between theories on language acquisition and approaches and methodology in language teaching, and
discusses practical implications for the classroom, using activities and projects.
- Helps teachers to assess the merits of different methods and textbooks, and make the most of their time with learners.
- New for this edition: explores recent theories (e.g. skill learning, connectionism, the 'noticing' hypothesis) and research on
the teaching and learning of vocabulary, pronunciation and pragmatics.
- Includes more on current theories of first language acquisition and early bilingualism, and factors affecting learning such as
motivation, learning styles, etc.
- Includes a greater variety of ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds in a fully revised classroom learning section.
1. Language learning in early chidhood
2. Explaining second language learning
3. Individual differences in second language learning
4. Learner language
5. Observing learning and teaching in the second language
6. Second language learning in the classroom
7. Popular ideas about language learning revisited