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The Art and Science of Language Teaching

$43.59  Paperback
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Lara Bryfonski, Alison Mackey

  • The Art and Science of Language Teaching

380 pages
2023
ISBN: 9781108932011

This user-friendly book is designed for language teachers of all levels and languages who seek to inform their classroom practices with current research findings on second language acquisition.

Each chapter begins with a story of a real teaching scenario and a concise summary of what cutting-edge language teaching research says (and what it does not say) about the topic. Throughout the twenty-one chapters, the authors connect language research to the classroom, challenge misunderstandings around language pedagogy, and provide solutions. Each chapter concludes with classroom activities, and instructional strategies that can be used immediately in professional development workshops or in the classroom.

Key features:

  • Links pedagogical theories to scenarios derived from experiences of real teachers, clearly demonstrating how practice and research connect
  • Presents cutting-edge linguistic research in an accessible manner, and includes resources for further reading, listening, and watching to give teachers the tools they need to apply teaching innovations
  • Addresses theories and practices currently unsupported by linguistic research in order to prevent the proliferation of ineffective practices and provide an accurate overview of current research in Applied Linguistics
  • Additional resources are available online to supplement the activities found in the book.

Applicable across all languages and levels, this book is suitable for teachers of diverse backgrounds teaching in diverse contexts. Ideal for teacher reading groups, professional development workshops, and courses on second language learning and teaching.

"This is a volume that needs to be in every practicing teacher's library. This book is one of the few that directly connects second language acquisition research to practice in an accessible and comprehensive way for teachers."
- Richard Donato, University of Pittsburgh, author of Enacting the Work of Language Instruction (ACTFL, 2016)

"Do you want an SLA book that speaks directly to language teaching? If so, then start with the real issues that teachers face and then see what SLA has to say about them."
- Rod Ellis, University of Auckland, author of Exploring Language Pedagogy through Second Language Acquisition Research (Routledge, 2014)

"The Bryfonski/Mackey text demystifies research in second language acquisition by presenting key findings in an easy-to-read format and connecting them to the realities of classroom practice. Pre-service and in-service professionals alike will find research-based solutions that address the common classroom challenges facing today's language educators."
- Eileen W. Glisan, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, author of Enacting the Work of Language Instruction (ACTFL, 2016)

"Bryfonski and Mackey have done the impossible, demystifying second language acquisition for pedagogical contexts with concrete, ready-to-use applications. By artfully grounding the volume in both research and real-life teaching scenarios and questions, these eminent scholars bring to life the most important questions underlying language teaching for every instructional setting. An immediate must-read!"
- Laura Gurzynski-Weiss, Indiana University, Bloomington

"Irony aside, language researchers and teachers have - for decades - lacked a shared language. Bryfonski and Mackey provide these yin-yanged audiences with a Rosetta Stone of sorts, a cipher that unlocks the door connecting the worlds of L2 research and practice. This text allows the authors' world-renowned expertise to shine while speaking with the hearts of trusted mentors."
- Luke Plonsky, Northern Arizona University

"Oriented around questions and answers relevant to any language teacher and language classroom, each engaging chapter is packed with vignettes, visuals, and strategies for teachers to put into practice. Ideal for pre- or in-service teachers alike, this text will answer teachers' burning questions on everything from pronunciation and feedback to lesson planning and technology."
- Andrea Révész, University College London

"Whether you're a new language teacher just starting out or a veteran language teacher with many years of experience, you must read this book. With charming graphics throughout, it makes solid connections between the latest research and practice, with concrete examples for the language learning classroom, and even includes links to sample lesson plans, videos, and other helpful materials."
- Heather Sweetser, The University of New Mexico, 2022 ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year