The Routledge Handbook of Sociocultural Theory and Second Language Development is the first comprehensive overview of the field of sociocultural second language acquisition (SLA). In 35 chapters, each written by an expert in the area, this book offers perspectives on both the theoretical and practical sides of the field. This Handbook covers a broad range of topics, divided into several major sections, including: concepts and principles as related to second language development; concept-based instruction; dynamic assessment and other assessment based on sociocultural theory (SCT); literacy and content-based language teaching; bilingual/multilingual education; SCT and technology; and teacher education. This is the ideal resource for graduate students and researchers working in the areas of SLA and second language development.

Researching Pedagogic Tasks brings together a series of empirical studies into the use of pedagogical tasks for second language learning, with a view to better understanding the structure of tasks, their impact on students, and their use by teachers. The volume starts with an introduction to the background and key issues in the topic area and is then organised into three sections: the first section focuses on the language and learning of students on tasks the second on the use of tasks in the language classroom the third on the use of tasks for language testing Each section begins with a succinct section introduction, and the volume concludes with an afterword relating the theme of the volume to issues in curriculum development. The chapters include both experimental and qualitative approaches to the topic, some providing original accounts of specific studies, others offering overviews of linked series of studies.

In this accessible introduction to Vygotskian sociocultural theory, narratives illuminate key concepts of the theory. These key concepts include mediation; Zone of Proximal Development; collaborative dialogue and private speech; everyday and scientific concepts; the interrelatedness of cognition and emotion; activity theory; and assessment. A final chapter provides readers with an opportunity to consider two additional narratives and apply the SCT concepts that they have become familiar with. We hear from learners, teachers and researchers in a variety of languages, contexts, ages and proficiencies. Intended for graduate and undergraduate audiences, this new edition of the textbook includes controversies in the field, improved questions for collaborative discussion and provides updated references to important work in the literature of second language teaching, learning and research.

This volume brings together a series of studies by different researchers on the impact of tasks in second language teaching, testing and development. It reviews a number of issues which include recent research into task-based learning: the effect of tasks on speaking, listening and oral interaction, the role of the teacher in exploiting tasks and the nature of the task based curriculum.

This is a remarkably interesting and useful book...it makes a significant contribution to our knowledge and understanding of both bilingualism and education.' Journal of Education Policy

The Routledge Handbook of Sociocultural Theory and Second Language Development is the first comprehensive overview of the field of sociocultural second language acquisition (SLA). In 35 chapters, each written by an expert in the area, this book offers perspectives on both the theoretical and practical sides of the field. This Handbook covers a broad range of topics, divided into several major sections, including: concepts and principles as related to second language development; concept-based instruction; dynamic assessment and other assessment based on sociocultural theory (SCT); literacy and content-based language teaching; bilingual/multilingual education; SCT and technology; and teacher education. This is the ideal resource for graduate students and researchers working in the areas of SLA and second language development.

Immersion, a relatively new approach to bilingual education, orginated in Canada. It uses the target language as a medium of instruction in order to achieve "additive bilingualism"-- a high level of second language proficiency added to normal development in the L1. The wide range of languages and purposes now served by immersion worldwide is illustrated by case studies of thirteen programs presented and discussed in this book. The introductory chapter defines immersion education theory and practice and shows how this approach differs from other forms of bilingual education.

This study presents the findings of a major investigation of second language proficiency in various groups of school-aged learners, and invites a frank appraisal of the research from an outside panel of experts. The theoretical and practical implications of the study are the subject of a lively debate focused on three main research issues: the nature of second language proficiency, the impact of classroom treatment on second language learning, and the role of social and individual factors in bilingual development. This original collection of articles will be of interest to all those concerned with policy and practice in second language education.

This is a remarkably interesting and useful book...it makes a significant contribution to our knowledge and understanding of both bilingualism and education.' Journal of Education Policy