Changing Methodologies in TESOL - (Edinburgh Textbooks in Tesol) by Jane Spiro (Paperback)

About the Book

Covering core topics from vocabulary and grammar to teaching, writing speaking and listening, this textbook shows you how to link research to practice in TESOL methodology. Guided tasks prepare you to engage critically with research literature and use this analysis to inform your own practice.

Book Synopsis

Covering core topics from vocabulary and grammar to teaching, writing speaking and listening, this textbook shows you how to link research to practice in TESOL methodology. It emphasises how current understandings have impacted on the language classroom worldwide and investigates the meaning of 'methods' and 'methodology' and the importance of these for the teacher: as well as the underlying assumptions and beliefs teachers bring to bear in their practice. By introducing you to language teaching approaches, you will explore the way these are influenced by developments in our understanding of language, learning technologies, learners, and their socio-cultural world. Three main areas in TESOL methods are covered: the impact of learner needs, context and culture on language, learning and teaching approaches; knowledge of language and its impact on methods, from the word to whole texts; and multiple literacies and competences for the modern world, including academic literacy and web literacy, socio-cultural and intercultural competence. The impact on teacher choices and methods of World Englishes, approaches to grammar, and learner development is also discussed. Each chapter illustrates core principles in practice using case studies of English teaching worldwide. Guided tasks, including article critique, case study analysis, and small-scale classroom research, prepare you to engage critically with research literature and use this analysis to inform your own practice. Key features* Written specifically for those studying TESOL teaching* First book to teach methods and practice in a global context, including links to the latest developments in the field* Encourages students to adopt a reflective approach to their teaching* Concepts and research are presented in an accessible way, regardless of the student's level of teaching experience or linguistic study* Provides task-based activities.

From the Back Cover

EDINBURGH TEXTBOOKS IN TESOL Series Editors: Joan Cutting and Fiona Farr This series of advanced textbooks in TESOL comprises individual volumes addressing an identifiable subfield within TESOL in more depth than would be found in an introductory textbook to the area as a whole. Each volume is designed for use alongside taught module-length topics on TESOL degrees and emphasises intercultural awareness and the practical applications of theory. CHANGING METHODOLOGIES IN TESOL Jane Spiro How is the English language experienced, taught and learnt internationally in the twenty-first century? How do TESOL teachers' methodologies take account of the learner, changes to the language and theories of how languages are learnt? Changing Methodologies in TESOL explores the way our ideas about language, teaching and learning have changed as a result of changes in the wider world. Recognising that language is not only learnt in the classroom but at home, on the street and through cyberspace, this practical and accessible book helps the student teacher to negotiate the multiple factors involved in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Packed full of discussions, case studies, investigative classroom exercises, reading activities and links to online resources, Changing Methodologies in TESOL is an invaluable practical guide and resource for TESOL students, student teachers and practising teachers. Further and guided reading for each topic and chapter are available on the book's webpage: www.euppublishing.com/page/TESOL/AdditionalResources/Spiro. Jane Spiro is Reader in Education and TESOL at Oxford Brookes University. Cover image: (c) Peter Booth/iStockphoto. Cover design: [EUP logo] www.euppublishing.com

Review Quotes

Would I use this book? Quite definitely, yes! It gives a new slant to TESOL pedagogy by situating it in the wider world, by placing methods in relation to individual user's contexts, and through the onus it places on users to exercise independent judgement.--Alan Maley "ELT Journal"

About the Author

Dr Jane Spiro is Learning and Teaching Development Leader at the Institute of Education, Oxford Brookes University. In addition to many book chapters and journal articles, she has published Storybuilding (2007, OUP), and Creative Poetry Writing (2004, OUP)