RELO Resources
EFL/ESL Learning and Acquisition
Last Updated 02/05
Affect in Language Learning (Call no. C /0303/ 1999)
Jane Arnold, (Ed.)
Cambridge University Press 1999
The affective domain and the emotional factors that influence language learning have been of interest in the field of language teaching for a number of years. By proposing a holistic approach to the learning process, this volume takes the position that the language learning experience will be much more effective when both affect and cognition are considered. The eighteen chapters discuss issues such as memory, anxiety, self-esteem, facilitation, autonomy, classroom activities, and assessment from the perspective of affect.
Affect and Related Factors in Second and Foreign Language Acquisition + Audiotape(Call no. T /2003/ 1997)
Patricia Richard-Amato
TESOL 1997
This Voices of Experience workshop analyzes the role of the affect, including such factors as anxiety, motivation, risk-taking, and attitudes- plays in the second language and foreign language acquisition process. The workshop packet provides five activities that help students relate the content of what they are learning to their prior knowledge and experience. These effective activities incorporate graphs, charts, and handouts for use in the second and foreign language classroom settings.
Bilingual Education (Call no. T /2004/ 2001)
Donna Christine & Fred Genesee, (Ed.)
TESOL 2001
The number of immigrant and minority students who are entering school with a language other than English is growing and will continue to do so in substantial proportions well into the next millennium. To succeed in school, many of these students will require teachers who have the ability and desire to 1) teach literacy and content in the students' native language, 2) to integrate language and content, 3) make schooling culturally relevant, and 4) take a stance against anti-bilingual forces in society and education. Written by two leaders in the field of bilingual education, this book focuses teachers toward the goal of building school communities. The authors believe bilingual education should be an integral part of school communities that all personnel should be involved in and responsible for. Topics include: the why and what of bilingual education, bilingual educational settings, bilingual education in elementary and secondary school settings, and much more. This book belongs in the hands of every school administrator and teacher looking to incorporate bilingual education into their school.
Cognitive Approach to Language Learning, A (Call no. O /1511/ 1998)
Peter Skehan
Oxford University Press 1998
As Skehan writes himself, psycholinguistics is "the study of the psychological processes underlying language learning and use" (Skehan, 1998, p.1). Based on this definition, Skehan's entire book IS about psycholinguistics. The first half of the book discusses psycholinguistics as it relates to instruction and testing. The second half of the book then discusses task-based learning (TBL) and how you can employ it in the classroom to support the psycholinguistic aspects of second language acquisition (SLA). Since TBL is a relatively new and promising area of research in the field of SLA, its investigation would not be complete if you overlooked Skehan's thoughts and contributions to TBL development.
How Languages are Learned (Call no. O /1522/ 1999)
Patsy M. Lightbown & Nina Spada
Oxford University Press 1999
This book is for language teachers. Covers elements of first and second language learning with a view to language teaching. Does not provide any lesson plans/class activities, its more theory than practical. Makes the reader aware of the current issues and proposes effective models.
Learning New Languages (Call no. H /0806/ 2001)
Tom Scovel
HEINLE & HEINLE 2001
Learning New Languages: A Guide to Second Language Acquisition is a thorough account of key principles of Second Language Acquisition. Voices from the classroom, as well as activities for reflective research, engage the reader in an interactive exploration of how learners acquire new languages.
Motivational Strategies in the Language Classroom (Call no. C /0322/ 2001)
Zoltan Dornyei
Cambridge University Press 2001
When trying to explain any success or failure in second language (L2) learning, the term 'motivation' is often used by teachers and students alike. Indeed, motivation is one of the key learner factors that determines the rate and success of L2 attainment: it provides the primary impetus to initiate learning the L2 and later the driving force to sustain the long learning process. Without sufficient motivation, even individuals with the most remarkable abilities cannot accomplish long-term goals. This book takes a practical approach to teaching motivational strategies in the language classroom, and gives the teacher strategies that they can use to motivate language learners.
Principles of Language Learning and Teaching (Call no. L /1212/ 2000)
H. Douglas Brown
Longman 2000
Language learning and language teaching are complex and difficult subjects. H. Douglas Brown provides a good summary of key elements in the field of "Principles of Language Learning and Teaching". This book provides a good introduction to current theories of language teaching, including critical evaluations of such popular theories as Krashen's Input Hypothesis. Brown couches each discussion in an overall view of the behaviorist / cognitive debate and refers to these larger theories regularly.
Process of Language Learning, The: An EFL Perspective (Call no. MLI /1301/2002)
Zafar Sayed (Ed.)
Military Language Institute 2001
This volume brings together the work of 24 authors on issues dealing with the process of language learning within EFL context.
Resisting Linguistic Imperialism in English Teaching (Call no. O /1539/ 1999)
A.Suresh Canagarajah
Oxford University Press 1999
Canagarajah provides a fascinating glimpse at how ELT works in the "periphery" that is in third world countries. He also elaborates the working conditions of scholars in these countries, thereby providing much needed insights to first world readers. Canagarajah not only sensibly describes the language ecology of Sri Lanka and the role of English within this system. He also shows how textbooks convey values from the west. Furthermore, he demonstrates how exactly these textbooks can be appropriated by locals to reflect their own values.
Second Language Acquisition (Call no. O /1540/ 1997)
Rod Ellis
Oxford University Press 1997
In the age of the global village and the World Wide Web, understanding the way in which people learn languages is of ever increasing importance. This book makes the essentials of this rapidly expanding area of study accessible to readers encountering it for the first time.
Second Language Research Methods (Call no. O /1541/ 1989)
Herbert W. Seliger & Elana Shohamy
Oxford University Press 1989
Based on a set of four research parameters, this book discusses the development of research questions and hypotheses, naturalistic and experimental research, data collection, and validation of research instruments. Each chapter includes examples and activities.
Strategies for Success (Call no. L /1213/ 2002)
H. Douglas Brown
Longman 2002
This is a guide that enables students and teachers of English to take a fresh look at the learning process. Its strategy-based instruction guides students to become aware of their learning styles and should help make their language learning successful.