This publication provides essential reading for any language teacher. Pupil engagement in the language-learning process is key to success, and with this in mind the authors provide a comprehensive list of ideas as well as explaining the underlying principles of successful language-learning.
Neil Jones, Assistant Headteacher
Learning a language, especially in a class or group, is an intensely practical subject. Active participation by students is the key to successful language learning at any age or ability level. This book offers teachers a multitude of practical activities in which students take the lead, and clearly links these to the various linguistic and pragmatic skills.
The book provides clear and comprehensive guidance on the classroom environment, models of teaching and learning, and assessment. It aims to help teachers plan engaging lessons which will enable all students to develop the key skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing in the target language. Topics covered include:
The essentials of language learning
Use of the target language; training the ear and training the voice
Exploiting audio and video recordings
Exploiting texts and pictures
Using stories and drama in the classroom, and independent reading
Making good use of written work
Integrating multimedia resources and the Internet across the language skills
Integrating grammar into communication
Teaching and Learning Languages has been written in line with national and European language policies, reflecting contemporary trends in the teaching and learning of languages. The text's focus on active learning and its indispensable guidance for planning lessons make it essential reading for all trainee and practising teachers.
Introduction 1. The Essentials of Language Learning 2. The Classroom Environment 3. Some Teaching and Learning Modes 4. Assessment 5. Use of the Target Language by Students 6. Training the Ear, Training the Voice 7. Working Together: General Principles 8. Semi-spontaneous Pair-work 9. Some Possibilities for Group Work 10. Using ICT in the Languages Classroom 11. Interactive Communication 12. Drama and Role-play 13. Exploiting Audio and Video Texts 14. Exploiting [A] Texts and [B] Pictures 15. Excerpts or Independent Reading? 16. Using Stories in the Classroom 17. Making Good Use of Written Work 18. Dictionary and Reference Skills 19. Learning Words and Phrases 20. Integrating Grammar into Communication Conclusion