Professional Development for Language Teachers: Strategies for Teacher Learning

Cambridge Language Education

by Jack C. Richards, Thomas S.C. Farrell

Professional Development for Language Teachers examines ten different techniques that can be used to facilitate professional development in language teaching. These effective teaching tools are: self-monitoring, support groups, journal writing, classroom observation, teaching portfolios, analysis of critical incidents, case analysis, peer coaching, team teaching, and action research. The book begins with a conceptual framework for professional development. All chapters contain practical examples in the form of vignettes written by teachers using the techniques, as well as reflection questions to help readers apply the approach in their own teaching context.

214 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2005

About the author

Jack Croft Richards is an applied linguist from New Zealand, specializing in second and foreign language education, teacher training, and materials design. He has written numerous articles and books. Most of his books and articles are in the field of second language teaching and have been translated into many different languages. He was appointed full professor in the Department of English as a Second Language at the University of Hawaii in 1981.

Reviews

[Sandy Millin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a useful summary of various approaches towards professional development, including a couple I hadn't read about before (critical incidents and case studies). Lots of ideas for me to take into my job as Director of Studies next year.

[Mayur Agravat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most needed for language teachers for personal & professional development

[Nan Suphaphorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sometime cannot do what the book always mentions about. But I love this book