Focusing on the design of validation research, the book guides test developers in ensuring that assessments accurately reflect their intended purposes. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous research to support the validity of tests used for decision-making. By introducing an argument-based perspective, it bridges the gap between theoretical concepts and practical application, offering insights and demonstrations to aid in the formulation of effective validation research designs.
Focusing on the analysis of French textbooks used in the U.S. from 1960 to 2010, this work examines how representations of Canada and Quebec have evolved in educational materials. By analyzing 65 textbooks through a social-semiotic lens, it reveals trends in content and the portrayal of Quebec's cultural narrative. The study highlights the influence of language politics on learners, making it a valuable resource for scholars in Canadian Studies, Quebec Studies, Second Language Acquisition, and materials development for foreign language teaching.
The book showcases findings from the ELFA project, which analyzes a corpus of one million words of spoken academic English utilized as a lingua franca. It explores the linguistic features, communication strategies, and the implications for teaching and learning in multilingual academic settings. The research highlights how English functions as a bridge among speakers of different native languages, providing valuable insights into academic discourse and intercultural communication.
This ground-breaking reference work, available online or as a 10-volume print set, is a comprehensive resource covering the highly diverse field of applied linguistics. Truly global in scope, and led by General Editor Carol A.
Tips for Teaching with CALL: Practical Approaches to Computer-Assisted
Language Learning, introduces English language teachers to computer-assisted
language learning, or CALL. This practical reference book links specific
techniques for using CALL with contemporary CALL research. The book and
companion CD-ROM clearly demonstrate why and how to use CALL to teach
vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, listening, speaking, communication
skills, and content-based language. Features of the Book: Color screenshots of
authentic CALL software, along with descriptions, level information, and
notes, illustrate more than 100 real examples Concrete tips at the beginning
of each chapter help teachers get students working productively with
electronic texts What the research says and What the teacher can do sections
link pedagogical research with classroom techniques Specific topics covered in
different chapters includeVocabulary, Grammar, Reading, Writing,Listening,
Speaking, Communication Skills, and Content-Based Language Focus questions at
the end of each chapter guide teachers in selecting appropriate CALL
activities for their students' needs Features of the CD-ROM: Interactive video
clips show application of tips from each chapter Demonstration tips show
students using authentic CALL software Simulation tips guide teachers through
using authentic CALL programs System Requirements: Windows(R) 2000/XP/Vista or
Mac OSX (10.3 or higher) Microsoft Internet Explorer(R) 6.x, SafariTM 1.x,
Firefox(R) 1.x, Mozilla(R) 1.x, NetscapeTM 7.x or later 256 MB RAM minimum
(512+ MB recommended) 500 MB available hard drive space Monitor resolution of
1024 x 768 or higher Sound card and speakers CD-ROM drive (10x or faster)
Adobe(R) Flash(R) 8 plug-in or higher (Note: If your computer does not have
this plug-in, and Internet connection is required for installation. ) Tips for
Teaching Series Series Editor: H. Douglas Brown Purpose and Audience Tips for
Teaching (hereafter TFT) is a series of professional reference books for ESOL
teachers and teachers in training on a variety of topics of practical
classroom-centered interest. TFT targets teaching in the contexts of ESL in
English-speaking countries as well as teachers of EFL in non English-speaking
countries. The audience within these contexts is teachers of English in
secondary schools, colleges, and adults at varying levels of proficiency. Each
book in the series is a practical manual intended to provide the user with
clearly conceived methodological ideas, approaches, tasks, activities, and/or
techniques to better accomplish their pedagogical goals. General
Methodological Characteristics Each TFT book offers background in the
underlying pedagogical principles of language learning and teaching in clearly
comprehensible terms. This background is meant to provide a brief and concise
understanding of theory. These are followed by soundly conceived practical
approaches to classroom instruction, from authors who have successfully used
the approaches described in the book. TFT methodology is based on
communicative and/or task-based language teaching foundations. Student-
centered, interactive classroom activities receive primary focus, but not at
the expense of appropriate teacher-centered approaches or tasks for individual
in-class or homework activity. Market Teachers using TFT books may be novice
teachers seeking practical guidelines for approaching instruction in a
specified area, or experienced teachers in need of refreshing new ideas. TFT
books seek to meet current needs of ESOL teachers, filling a gap in current
available publications, or providing better information than other
publications. TFT proposals must have a broad enough defined audience for the
publication to be financially feasible for Pearson/Longman. Format All the TFT
books have numerous practical approaches, activities, tasks, and/or techniques
that appeal to their intended audience. They are not simply a listing of 101
techniques, but rather, offer practical classroom ideas with background
foundations, commentary, and guidelines for teaching Books in the TFT series
may have different formats depending on the subject matter and approach of an
author, but each book in the series should use similar formats/design so
readers will be familiar with the approach once they've seen one book in the
series. A reader won't want to be disappointed if a book in the series does
not have the (ie.) examples or background information that another book has.
The books will be visually attractive with an ample number of charts,
diagrams, illustrations, and drawings. Enough white space on pages provides an
uncluttered look that invites further reading. Prose is limited to a few
paragraphs at a time, and is interspersed with figures, tables, bulleted
lists, and other visual breaks. Chapter organization varies, but the following
guidelines generally apply: 1. Each chapter begins with a chapter overview,
usually a list of chapter objectives, bulleted summary points, or questions
that will be answered. 2. Exercises or other forms of practical applications
are offered at the end of each chapter. 3. Photocopy-ready pages of handouts
or other pages to support activities may be included. 4. End-of-chapter
summary, conclusion, or final comment. Front matter also varies, but the
following are commonly included: 1. Author's preface indicating the purpose
and audience of the book. 2. Series Editor's preface indicating the place of
this book in the series and comments on the importance of the subject matter
of the book. 3. Table of contents including subheadings within chapters. Back-
matter may include the following: 1. Bibliography of related references. 2.
Annotated bibliography of a few selected references that might be of special
help to users. 3. Subject index. 4. Glossary, if appropriate. 5. Appendices of
photocopy-ready pages for tasks and activities
Computer Applications in Second Language Acquisition explores computer applications in second language acquisition by reviewing and interpreting research and development in three computer-assisted second language learning, computer-assisted second language assessment, and computer-assisted second language research – addressing issues such as effective use of software in language teaching, values and limitations of computer-assisted testing, and the study of second language development with interactive computer programs. It offers a unique view of the topic by examining computer applications through perspectives from applied linguistics; it identifies cross-disciplinary work relevant to software development, use, and evaluation; and it suggests critical research directions. This is the first single volume on computer applications in the field which includes issues in teaching, assessment, and SLA research, and which treats evaluation extensively.