Transformative learning has been widely used in the field of adult education for over twenty years, but until recently has received little attention in the field of world languages. Drawing on best practices and the research of distinguished international world language experts, this volume provides theoretical and classroom-tested models of transformative education in world languages at major university, state and governmental programs. Chapters outline theoretical frameworks and detail successful models from cutting-edge programs in a wide range of languages, with plenty of examples included to make the theory accessible to readers not yet familiar with the concepts. Classroom teachers, program administrators and faculty developers at every level of instruction will find support for their courses. With its innovative approach to the teaching and learning of languages, this volume is a seminal text in transformative language learning that will stimulate discussions and innovation in the language field for years to come.

Task-based language instruction has proven to be highly effective, but surprisingly underutilized. Theory can only go so far and hands-on experience can greatly speed and enhance the learning of a second language. Nineteen talented instructors who have successfully implemented task-based programs explain the principles behind the programs, discuss how problems were resolved, and share details on class activities and program design. Each chapter takes the reader through the different stages in designing and setting up such programs, adjusting them, and appraising and testing them in normal classroom conditions. This book covers TBI syllabus and program design and is based on actual classroom experience. Any one of the courses or programs discussed can serve as models for others. Many of the contributors are highly respected practitioners who are presenting their programs for the first time, while others are regular participants in today's ongoing dialogue about teaching methods. Full of concrete, adaptable models of task-based language teaching drawn from a number of countries and eleven different languages - including Arabic, Chinese, Czech, English, French, German, Korean, Spanish, and Ukrainian - "Task-Based Instruction in Foreign Language Education" presents proven, real-world, practical courses and programs; and includes web-based activities. It demonstrates useful and practical ways to engage students far beyond what can be learned from reading textbook dialogue. TBI involves the student directly with the language being taught via cognitively engaging activities that reflect authentic and purposeful use of language, resulting in language-learning experiences that are pleasurable and effective. For all instructors seeking to help their learners enhance their understanding and grasp of the foreign language they are learning, "Task-Based Instruction in Foreign Language Education" is a rich and rewarding hands-on guide to effective and transformative learning.

Transformative learning has been widely used in the field of adult education for over twenty years, but until recently has received little attention in the field of world languages. Drawing on best practices and the research of distinguished international world language experts, this volume provides theoretical and classroom-tested models of transformative education in world languages at major university, state and governmental programs. Chapters outline theoretical frameworks and detail successful models from cutting-edge programs in a wide range of languages, with plenty of examples included to make the theory accessible to readers not yet familiar with the concepts. Classroom teachers, program administrators and faculty developers at every level of instruction will find support for their courses. With its innovative approach to the teaching and learning of languages, this volume is a seminal text in transformative language learning that will stimulate discussions and innovation in the language field for years to come.

This clear and informative textbook is designed to help the student achieve optimal success as a language learner and user. Aimed at beginning to intermediate undergraduates and above, it teaches students to understand their own preferences in learning, to develop individual learning plans and approaches, and to select appropriate learning strategies. The authors - all leading experts in language teaching - base their advice on theories of learning, cognition, and memory, concepts which they explain in simple and accessible terms. The book is divided into three sections - learning, language, and communication - and provides students with communicative strategies for use in real-life interaction with native speakers. Each chapter contains an overview and review section, with learning activities that students can carry out by themselves, in groups, or in the classroom. Equally suitable for use both by individuals and as a class text, this book will become an invaluable resource for all language learners.

This book examines approaches to teaching students who aim to make the leap from "advanced" or "superior" proficiency in a foreign language to "near-native" ability. While there are an abundance of publications on classroom techniques and methods for lower levels of instruction, almost nothing exists about the transition, which is vital for those who intend to use foreign languages in high-level arenas. Compiled by leading practitioners in this area of foreign language teaching, the book fills the gap for those developing programs at the "advanced to distinguished" level.

This book examines approaches to teaching students who aim to make the leap from "advanced" or "superior" proficiency in a foreign language to "near-native" ability. While there are an abundance of publications on classroom techniques and methods for lower levels of instruction, almost nothing exists about the transition, which is vital for those who intend to use foreign languages in high-level arenas. Compiled by leading practitioners in this area of foreign language teaching, the book fills the gap for those developing programs at the "advanced to distinguished" level.

"A wonderful book! I would use it with my classes and would hand it out to any colleagues who want to improve teaching." Rebecca L. Oxford, Associate Dean, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa Leaver bases her book on the premise that all students deserve positive, successful learning experiences. It has one focus: All students can learn. The fourth edition of this successful handbook shows you how to take charge of your classroom and give students back the major responsibility for their own learning. Help students resolve their "cognitive conflicts" - whether it's with teaching style, curricular orietation, or some other classroom aspect - and see a dramatic difference in their The guidance you'll get here is as close as possible to a hands-on demonstration of her techniques. You'll find out how to * Recognize that your students' learning styles differ * Identify the different ways your students learn (learner profiling) * Expand your teaching style to better accommodate the needs of each student and avoid "style wars" no one wins * Deal successfully with conflicts that arise due to students' different methods of learning * Empower students to become more style-flexible, so that they can achieve with different teachers and subjects and succeed on tests The author balances the ideal world of accommodating each student with the real world of students taking responsibility for their own learning. She shows how to focus on the "needs of the one" while teaching for the "needs of the many" - and doing so sanely. Leaver provides a firm foundation to combine with your personal experience to create your own custom method for reaching different styles of learners. She includes real-world questions and answers to help you solve problems that may arise from teaching to different learning styles. Reaching and Teaching the Whole Class is about leaving method aside and concentrating on how students learn. It can work for any teacher or school administrator who's ever had a seemingly unsuccessful student. Tested for more than 12 years in classrooms in America and ten other countries. Includes practice exercises at the ends of chapters, as well as a series of resources at the back, including learning styles tests, observation checklists, and answers to the practice exercises.

This book offers concrete and practical ideas for implementing content-based instruction -- using subject matter rather than grammar -- through eleven case studies of cutting-edge models in a broad variety of languages, academic settings, and levels of proficiency.

The highly innovative models illustrate content-based instruction programs for both commonly and less-commonly taught languages -- Arabic, Croatian, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Russian, Serbian, and Spanish -- and for proficiency levels ranging from beginners to fluent speakers. They include single-teacher and multi-teacher contexts and such settings as typical language department classrooms, specialty schools, intensive language programs, and university programs in foreign languages across the curriculum.

All of the contributors are pioneers and practitioners of content-based instruction, and the methods they present are based on actual classroom experiences. Each describes the rationale, curriculum design, materials, and evaluation procedures used in an actual curriculum and discusses the implications of the approach for adult language acquisition.