Language learning materials development remains a surprisingly under-supported aspect of language teaching. This book constitutes a much-needed resource in the area, aiming to support and advance the craft of materials design. The volume offers a snapshot of the contemporary influences on language learning materials development from diverse perspectives around the globe. These influences include the demands of teaching ESOL in Britain and Ireland, the impact of Corpus Linguistics, the needs of young learners and of diverse worldwide audiences, the development of intercultural competence, as well as the integration of L2 acquisition research. Contributors to the volume are drawn from a broad range of teaching, research and materials development backgrounds. The book includes some chapters based on papers given at the MATSDA (Materials Development Association) 2008 conference.

Situated within the context of unprecedented levels of inward migration to the UK and Ireland bringing with it all the complexities of integration, this volume focuses on a key aspect of this - language provision. Through the voices of stakeholders in the field of teaching English to speakers of other languages (ESOL), this volume critically examines models of language provision and integration, the relationship between language and identity, developing ESOL practices and ESOL policy. A distinctive feature is the diversity of contributions, ranging from research studies to vignettes presenting living portraits of ESOL practice on the ground. The volume fills an urgent gap in this area, offering a snapshot of the 'state of the art' of ESOL in the UK and Ireland and projections of how the needs of new migrants can be addressed into the future.

The fundamental principles of materials development in TESOL. Materials are at the very centre of language teaching, and understanding what goes into creating them is an essential part of a language teacher's professional development. Offering a practical introduction to the fundamental principles of materials development in TESOL, this textbook introduces you to a wide range of theoretical and practical issues in materials development to enable you to make informed and principled choices in the selection, evaluation, adaptation and production of materials. Advocating a principled approach to the creation of materials, it combines an awareness of relevant language learning and teaching theory with a critical attitude to existing published materials. It also encourages critical reflection by demonstrating how choices need to be informed by an awareness of culture, context and purpose. Material Development in TESOL's stimulating approach, with thought provoking, interactive tasks, online resources, and added perspectives from international research, makes it an ideal textbook for language teacher programmes around the world, equipping TESOL student teachers and practicing teachers with the frameworks, resources and practical skills necessary to carry out effective evaluations and to develop principled materials in practice. It is written specifically for TESOL practitioners and those studying TESOL teaching; accessible presentation of concepts and research; accompanying website provides additional online resources and materials; interactive tasks and further reading suggestions and encourages students to critically reflect on their choices of materials.