Key Questions in Language Teaching: An Introduction

by Alessandro G. Benati

Innovative and evidence-based, this introduction to the main concepts and issues in language teaching uses a 'key questions' structure, enabling the reader to understand how these questions have been addressed by researchers previously, and how the findings inform language teaching practices. Grounded in research, theory and empirical evidence, the textbook provides students, practitioners and teachers with a complete introductory course in language teaching. Written in a clear and user-friendly style, and avoiding use of jargon, the book draws upon real-life teaching experiences and scenarios to provide practical advice. A glossary of key terms, questions for discussion and further reading suggestions are included. The book is perfectly suited to language teaching modules on English language, TESOL and applied linguistics courses.

Genres: Linguistics, Language, Education, Nonfiction

226 pages, Paperback

Published April 2, 2020

About the author

Alessandro Benati is the Head of the English Department at the American University of Sharjah. He has previously worked in the United Kingdom at the University of Greenwich, Queen Mary and Westfield College, Middlesex University, and the University of Portsmouth. He is honorary visiting professor at the University of York St john, UK. Alessandro is internationally known for his research in second language acquisition and second language teaching. He has published ground-breaking research with James Lee on the pedagogical framework called processing instruction. He is co-Editor of the journal ISLA (Equinox Publishing), and Editor of the Advanced ISLA Research Book Series for Bloomsbury Publishing. He is a member of the editorial board for the journal Language Teaching Research and Co-Editor of the Grammar World Japanese online platform. He has recently launched with John Schwieter a new series for Cambridge University Press called Elements in Second Language Acquisition. Alessandro has co-ordinated national and international high-impact research projects funded by the European Union, Leverhulme Trust, British Academy, Sassakawa Foundation, Japanese MEXT, and the School Challenge. He is a member of the AHRC Peer Review College and the REF Panel 2021.He is currently working on two monographs (Key Questions in Second Language Acquisition: An Introduction and Key Issues in Second Language Teaching) for Cambridge University Press

Reviews

[E.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed that. It's been a while since I read an actual work on linguistics and being prompted to think about what experimental set-ups will yield what kinds of knowledge about the whole process of language acquisition was fun and fascinating.

The book is very clear and can be read with very little prior linguistic knowledge. Even if you do have some relevant knowledge, there's plenty to get you thinking. The organisation by key questions is relevant and helpful.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this so I could keep fighting with people on FB about Duolingo and the lack of Comprehensible Input involved in endlessly translating sentences back and forth between native and target languages.

[Zoe Evangeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

my favorite work that i've read so far on SLA! very fascinating and i learned a lot, but it was SO dense