- The first Handbook to unite the research on this emerging research area in one comprehensive volume - Covers the mapping, facilitating and researching of learning beyond the classroom - Includes cutting edge research from leading scholars in the field

Oral assessments are of vital importance to second language learners, but how can you best test the talk produced in L2 classrooms? Bringing together theory and research within the field of L2 oral proficiency, this book provides a state-of-the art overview of what is at stake in language classrooms and advice on how to approach testing and assessment. Using data and findings from empirical research to illustrate and discuss key topics, Testing Talk takes you step-by-step through the major concepts and issues in the oral assessment of second languages. Investigating and explaining the most important issues facing both examiners and test-takers, such as the factors which come into play during speaking tests, the differences between common test formats, and the challenge of ensuring equity in assessment, this book offers practical advice on how best to design tests and assess students. Featuring a glossary of key terms, discussion questions and further reading for each chapter, and a comprehensive companion website hosting a wealth of additional materials, from audio recordings to sample tests, this is the only book you will need in order to understand, design, and assess oral language tests.

This book is unique in bringing together theory, research, and practice about English encountered outside the classroom - extramural English - and how it affects teaching and learning. The book investigates ways in which learners successfully develop their language skills through extramural English and provides tools for teachers to make use of free time activities in primary and secondary education. The authors demonstrate that learning from involvement in extramural English activities tends to be incidental and is currently underutilized in classroom work. A distinctive strength is that this volume is grounded in theory, builds on results from empirical studies, and manages to link theory and research with practice in a reader-friendly way. Teacher-educators, teachers and researchers of English as a foreign language and teachers of English as a second language across the globe will find this book useful in developing their use of extramural English activities as tools for language learning.

Oral assessments are of vital importance to second language learners, but how can you best test the talk produced in L2 classrooms? Bringing together theory and research within the field of L2 oral proficiency, this book provides a state-of-the art overview of what is at stake in language classrooms and advice on how to approach testing and assessment. Using data and findings from empirical research to illustrate and discuss key topics, Testing Talk takes you step-by-step through the major concepts and issues in the oral assessment of second languages. Investigating and explaining the most important issues facing both examiners and test-takers, such as the factors which come into play during speaking tests, the differences between common test formats, and the challenge of ensuring equity in assessment, this book offers practical advice on how best to design tests and assess students. Featuring a glossary of key terms, discussion questions and further reading for each chapter, and a comprehensive companion website hosting a wealth of additional materials, from audio recordings to sample tests, this is the only book you will need in order to understand, design, and assess oral language tests.