Exploring Language Pedagogy through Second Language Acquisition Research

Rod Ellis · Natsuko Shintani

Jul 2013 · Routledge

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Routledge Introductions to Applied Linguistics is a series of introductory level textbooks covering the core topics in Applied Linguistics, primarily designed for those beginning postgraduate studies, or taking an introductory MA course as well as advanced undergraduates. Titles in the series are also ideal for language professionals returning to academic study.

The books take an innovative 'practice to theory' approach, with a 'back-to-front' structure. This leads the reader from real-world problems and issues, through a discussion of intervention and how to engage with these concerns, before finally relating these practical issues to theoretical foundations. Additional features include a glossary of key terms, and discussion questions.

Following the back-to-front approach of the series, the book takes problematic issues in language pedagogy as its starting points. These are then examined in terms of second language acquisition. Each chapter begins with a look at the pedagogical proposals found in teacher guides and then asks ‘Do these proposals accord with what we know about how languages are acquired?’ Pedagogical topics covered include teaching methods, syllabus design, explicit instruction, comprehension versus production-based instruction, task-based instruction, authentic materials, the role of the learners’ first language in the classroom, error correction and catering for individual differences.

Including a glossary of key terms and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter, and assuming no prior knowledge of second language acquisition, this is the ideal text for all students studying language teaching methods, language teacher education, English teaching methodology and second language acquisition modules in advanced undergraduate and postgraduate/graduate TESOL and Applied Linguistics courses.

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Rod Ellis is Distinguished Professor in the Department of Applied Language Studies and Linguistics, University of Auckland. He is also a professor in the EdD in TESOL programme at Anaheim University, USA and a visiting professor at Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) as part of China’s Chang Jiang Scholars Programme. He is currently editor of the journal Language Teaching Research. In addition to his books on second language acquisition, he has authored a number of ELT textbooks, including Impact Grammar.

Natsuko Shintani is an Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. She obtained her PhD from the University of Auckland in 2011. She has worked as a language teacher in Japan and New Zealand, including in her own private language school for children. Her research interests are the role of interaction in second language acquisition, corrective feedback and meta-analysis as a research tool.