Problem Solving in a Foreign Language

Problem Solving in a Foreign Language PDF Author: Lena Heine
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter
ISBN: 3110224461
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 230

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Book Description
Although Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) is a popular teaching method, research on CLIL has nearly exclusively focused on aspects of language learning. Besides that, we are still lacking any cognitively well-grounded theory about the special features of contexts in which the focus is on content learning, but in which a foreign language is used as the medium of communicating information. This book re-examines the basis for CLIL from a cognitive perspective and investigates how the use of a foreign language as a working language influences the processing of content. It summarizes findings from cognitive psychology on thinking, problem solving and conceptual processing, and integrates them with models of language-specific mental activities such as speech processing and text composition. This provides a theoretically well-grounded basis for the understanding of the special features of CLIL, and promotes a Cognitive Linguistic perspective on CLIL pedagogy. The theoretical considerations form the basis for an empirical study that offers the first insights into what CLIL learners actually do when they solve content-focused tasks while using an L2. Through spontaneous verbalization of thought, detailed verbal protocols were elicited and analysed into language and content focused cognitive processes. The analysis shows that both language and conceptual thought interact closely and that a focus on language in general has positive effects on the processing of semantic content; the use of an L2 as working language can enhance this effect. Additionally, the study offers a thorough reflection and new perspectives on verbal protocols as research tools, in particular in L2 contexts.

Problem Solving in a Foreign Language

Problem Solving in a Foreign Language PDF Author: Lena Heine
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter
ISBN: 3110224461
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 230

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Book Description
Although Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) is a popular teaching method, research on CLIL has nearly exclusively focused on aspects of language learning. Besides that, we are still lacking any cognitively well-grounded theory about the special features of contexts in which the focus is on content learning, but in which a foreign language is used as the medium of communicating information. This book re-examines the basis for CLIL from a cognitive perspective and investigates how the use of a foreign language as a working language influences the processing of content. It summarizes findings from cognitive psychology on thinking, problem solving and conceptual processing, and integrates them with models of language-specific mental activities such as speech processing and text composition. This provides a theoretically well-grounded basis for the understanding of the special features of CLIL, and promotes a Cognitive Linguistic perspective on CLIL pedagogy. The theoretical considerations form the basis for an empirical study that offers the first insights into what CLIL learners actually do when they solve content-focused tasks while using an L2. Through spontaneous verbalization of thought, detailed verbal protocols were elicited and analysed into language and content focused cognitive processes. The analysis shows that both language and conceptual thought interact closely and that a focus on language in general has positive effects on the processing of semantic content; the use of an L2 as working language can enhance this effect. Additionally, the study offers a thorough reflection and new perspectives on verbal protocols as research tools, in particular in L2 contexts.

Teaching and Learning the English Language

Teaching and Learning the English Language PDF Author: Richard Badger
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1474290450
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 303

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Book Description
Teaching and Learning the English Language is a practical guide for anyone seeking to improve their teaching, whether through formal study or on their own. Richard Badger explores teaching English as a problem-solving activity in which teachers must address three fundamental questions: · what aspect of language do students need to learn; · how might they learn this particular aspect of language; · and how can teachers support their learning. Offering a solid, research-based approach along with sound practical advice, this book equips teachers with skills needed to analyse their own contexts and develop their practice. It covers: · Fundamentals of English language · Psychological and social learning processes · TESOL teaching methods and approaches · Lesson planning and classroom management · Language evaluation and assessment · Teaching pronunciation, spelling, grammar, vocabulary and discourse · Teaching listening, reading, writing and speaking · English teacher professional development Pedagogical features include chapter summaries, activities for students and key readings recommendations, and the book is also supported by online resources: video case studies, additional exercises and multiple choice quizzes. Including numerous international lesson examples and case studies, Teaching and Learning English Language is suitable for both trainee and practising teachers who speak English as a first, second or foreign language.

Project-Based Second and Foreign Language Education

Project-Based Second and Foreign Language Education PDF Author: Gulbahar H. Beckett
Publisher: IAP
ISBN: 1607527162
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 302

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Book Description
Dewey's idea of Project-based Learning (PBL) was introduced into the field of second language education nearly two decades ago as a way to reflect the principles of student-centered teaching (Hedge, 1993). Since then, PBL has also become a popular language and literacy activity at various levels and in various contexts (see Beckett, 1999; Fried-Booth, 2002; Levis & Levis, 2003; Kobayashi, 2003; Luongo- Orlando, 2001; Mohan & Beckett, 2003; Weinstein, 2004). For example, it has been applied to teach various ESL and EFL skills around the world (e.g., Fried-Booth, 2002). More recently, PBL has been heralded as the most appropriate approach to teaching content-based second language education (Bunch, et al., 2001; Stoller, 1997), English for specific purposes (Fried-Booth, 2002), community-based language socialization (Weinstien, 2004), and critical and higher order thinking as well as problem-solving skills urged by the National Research Council (1999). Despite this emphasis, there is a severe shortage of empirical research on PBL and research-based frameworks and models based on sound theoretical guidance in general and second and foreign language education in particular (Thomas, 2000). Also missing from the second and foreign language education literature is systematic discussion of PBL work that brings together representative work, identifying obvious gaps, and guiding the field toward future directions. This, first of its kind, volume bridges these obvious gaps through the original work of international scholars from Canada, Israel, Japan, Singapore, and the US.

Writing in Foreign Language Contexts

Writing in Foreign Language Contexts PDF Author: Rosa Manchón
Publisher: Multilingual Matters
ISBN: 1847691838
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 318

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Book Description
This book represents the most comprehensive account to date of foreign language writing. Its basic aim is to reflect critically on where the field is now and where it needs to go next in the exploration of foreign language writing at the levels of theory, research, and pedagogy.

Critical Issues in Foreign Language Instruction

Critical Issues in Foreign Language Instruction PDF Author: Ellen S. Silber
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1135766290
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 320

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Book Description
First Published in 1991. This is Volume 22 of the Source Books on Education series. Politically speaking the study of foreign languages and cultures helps maintain a strong competitive position in an increasingly global marketplace. It was hard to imagine in 1957 that the launching of a Soviet rocket would push the United States into its greatest investment ever in foreign language education. As American policy-makers attempted to play catch-up with our brothers and sisters behind the iron curtain, this country infused federal dollars into extensive foreign language teacher training and the creation of new foreign language educational programs. As suddenly as federal support was given, however, so was it taken away; and its withdrawal was responsible for one of the darkest periods in the history of foreign language education in America. Drawing on the expertise of a number of the nation's most experienced and creative foreign language educators, this volume, edited by Ellen S. Silber, addresses some of the crucial problems we face in foreign language education today.

Examining Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) Theories and Practices

Examining Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) Theories and Practices PDF Author: Khalyapina, Liudmila
Publisher: IGI Global
ISBN: 1799832686
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 325

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Book Description
The growing interest in the problems of integrated foreign language teaching and professional disciplines is manifested in the formulation of new concepts and approaches, which at the moment are controversial. The lack of a common conceptual framework of integrated education in the system of higher professional education in different countries manifests itself in the attempts of researchers to either completely eliminate the achievements of their colleagues in this area or, without any scientific and practical justification, mechanically transfer foreign experiences in their conditions. Examining Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) Theories and Practices is a cutting-edge research publication that investigates the different approaches and models of progressive technology within linguodidactics and the methodologies for teaching foreign languages. Highlighting a range of topics such as blended learning, cognition, and professional discourse, this book is essential for language teachers, linguists, curriculum developers, instructional designers, deans, researchers, practitioners, administrators, educators, academicians, and students.

Multilingual Acquisition and Learning

Multilingual Acquisition and Learning PDF Author: Elena Babatsouli
Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing Company
ISBN: 9027247021
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 657

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Book Description
The volume espouses an ecosystemic standpoint on multilingual acquisition and learning, viewing language development and use as both ontogenesis and phylogenesis. Multilingualism is inclusively used to refer to sociolinguistic diversity and pluralism. Whether speech, writing, gesture, or body movement, language is a conduit that carries meaning within a complex, fluid, and context-dependent framework that engages different aspects of the individual, the communicative interaction, communicative acts, and social parameters. Continually modified over the years to better represent its multidisciplinary scope, the sociobiological notion of language has found steady and productive ground within major theoretical frameworks, which, individually or holistically, contribute to a rounded understanding of language acquisition, learning, and use by exploring both system-internal and system-external factors and their interaction. Summoning the work of leading academics, the volume outlines the changing dynamics of multilingualism in children and adults internationally with the latest advances and under-represented coverage that highlight the ecosystemic nature of multilingual acquisition, learning, and use.

Sociocultural Theory in Second Language Education

Sociocultural Theory in Second Language Education PDF Author: Merrill Swain
Publisher: Multilingual Matters
ISBN: 1847693296
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 193

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Book Description
In this accessible introduction to Vygotskyian sociocultural theory, narratives illuminate key concepts of the theory. These key concepts, addressed across seven chapters, include mediation; Zone of Proximal Development; collaborative dialogue; private speech; everyday and scientific concepts; the interrelatedness of cognition and emotion, activity theory and assessment. An eighth chapter provides readers with an opportunity to consider two additional narratives and apply the SCT concepts that they have become familiar with. These narratives come from individuals in a variety of languages, contexts, ages and proficiencies. We hear from learners, teachers and researchers. Intended for graduate and undergraduate audiences, this textbook includes controversies in the field, questions for collaborative discussion and provides references to important work in the literature of second language teaching, learning and research. This book presents a unique introduction to Sociocultural Theory. Through the telling of fascinating stories the authors familiarize the reader with the concepts that are central to the theory and in particular to how the theory relates to the teaching and learning of languages beyond the first. It is an exceptional piece of scholarship that I think Vygotsky would have wholeheartedly endorsed." James P. Lantolf, the Pennsylvania State University, USA "This book is a most welcome addition to the growing literature on sociocultural theory. It is refreshing to come across such a reader-friendly book dealing with complex constructs. The book provides an overview of key concepts in sociocultural theory, and then, using a set of narratives, illustrates how these concepts can be used to explain phenomena in second language learning and teaching, As such, the authors have succeeded in producing an accessible and highly engaging introduction to sociocultural theory." Neomy Storch, The University of Melbourne, Australia "Sociocultural Theory in Second Language Education is a highly recommended and worthwhile book for all those who seek to understand how sociocultural theory is entailed in teaching practice. Using narratives of teaching recounted in the voices of language learners and teachers, Swain and her co-authors bring the major concepts of Vygotsky to life in clear and accessible ways. Contributing to the conceptual analysis of each story is information on allied concepts, key studies, controversies and discussion topics. This book is certain to be a mainstay in language teacher education programs and in courses on sociocultural theory and second language acquisition." Richard Donato, University of Pittsburg, USA The authors, each from a different background, share a passion for sociocultural theory. Each author brings stories, data and experiences from her area of expertise: second language pedagogy and teacher development (Linda); elementary classroom teaching with second language and bilingual students (Penny) and teaching and research in bilingual education and second language learning (Merrill). Penny lectures at the University of Toronto. Linda is an associate professor at York University in Toronto. Merill is a professor emeritus at OISE University of Toronto.

Education for Sustainable Development in Foreign Language Learning

Education for Sustainable Development in Foreign Language Learning PDF Author: María J. de la Fuente
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1000480178
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 264

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Book Description
This unique volume utilizes the UNESCO Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) framework to illustrate successful integration of sustainability education in post-secondary foreign language (FL) learning. Showcasing a variety of approaches to using content-based instruction (CBI) in college-level courses, this text valuably demonstrates how topics relating to environmental, social, and cultural dimensions of sustainability can be integrated in FL curricula. Chapters draw on case studies from colleges throughout the US and consider theoretical and practical concerns relating to models of sustainability-based teaching and learning. Chapters present examples of project-, problem-, and task-based approaches, as well as field work, debate, and reflective pedagogies to enhance students’ awareness and engagement with sustainable development issues as they acquire a foreign language. Insights and recommendations apply across languages and highlight the potential contribution of FL learning to promote sustainability literacy amongst learners. This text will benefit researchers, academics, and educators in higher education with an interest in Modern Foreign Languages, sustainability education, training, and leadership more broadly.

Cultural Studies in Foreign Language Education

Cultural Studies in Foreign Language Education PDF Author: Michael Byram
Publisher: Multilingual Matters
ISBN: 9781853590177
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 182

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Book Description
Written by the winner of the 1987 BAAL book prize, this book deals with the acquisition of understanding of foreign cultures and peoples. It is also a study of the philosophy and purpose of language teaching in all its facets, in the context of foreign language teaching in secondary education. The book is written for language teachers and, though it draws on disciplines not usually included in their education and professional training, it does so from within the profession's own perspective. It is an attempt to raise teachers' and learners' awareness of the full educational value of foreign language learning