Applied Linguistics And Materials Development

Description: Focuses for the first time on materials development and applications of current research and theory for the main areas of applied linguistics (e.g. second language acquisition, pragmatics, vocabulary studies). There are many books on applied linguistic theory and research and there are now a number of books on the principled development of materials for language learning, but this book takes a new approach by connecting the two concerns. Each of its chapters first of all presents relevant theories and research conclusions for its area and then considers practical applications for materials development. The chapters achieve these applications by reporting and commenting on current theory and research, by analysing the match between current published materials and current theory and by suggesting and exemplifying applications of current theory to materials development. This will be an essential resource both for those studying or teaching materials development and for those studying or teaching applied linguistics.

Review: For many years Brian Tomlinson has led the way internationally in the field of materials development. This edited book by him is another example of innovative, research-based exploration of materials for language teaching that never loses sight of the classroom nor of the need for pedagogy that is reflective, informed and learner-sensitive. And there is a great cast-list of contributors. Highly recommended. Professor Ronald Carter, School of English, University of Nottingham, UK Just under a quarter of the material for the book [...] has been written by Tomlinson. This is indicative of his iconic status in the area of Materials Development ... In his role as editor Tomlinson has collected a star-studded cast of contributors ... ideal for graduate students of MA or MSc programmes in TESOL, as each chapter contains excellent overviews of current scholarship, and seeks to link these, when possible, to classroom practice. -- Gregory Hadley, Niigata University of International and Information Studies Systems [T]he volume arguably provides 'reader-friendly' information from three different sources within the field of applied linguistics - research, materials development and language teaching. We are used to reading either scientific academic writing reporting on research findings, or summary descriptions of the criteria on which instructional materials are based, or practical teachers' guides instructing practitioners on what to do in the classroom and how to do it; each in their own 'jargon'. This book puts the three sources and their 'jargons' together, so that in one single volume we can read about research findings, principled criteria for materials design and ideas on how they can be applied to classroom practice. Also extremely valuable are the useful tips for the targeted readership... the main aim of the volume - encouraging a closer link and a constructive cooperation between theorists and practitioners by means of fully-informed and principled materials development practice - has been achieved. -- Paola-Maria Caleffi, University of Verona Iperstoria.it The volume as a whole is thought provoking and provides a good basis for anyone looking to incorporate more theory into their practice. Each chapter ends with suggestions on how to use the theories discussed to create class materials ... Nonetheless, this volume delivers a number of insights into theory and practice that will make it invaluable to the field. -- Jeffrey S. Moore Studies in Second Language Acquisition


Table of contents


1. Introduction: Applied Linguistics and Materials Development Brian Tomlinson
Part I: Learning and Teaching Languages
2. Second Language Acquisition Brian Tomlinson
3. Beyond Semantics: Moving Language in Foreign Language Learning Peter Lutzker
4. Classroom Research Brian Tomlinson 5. Language Learning for Young Learners Irma-Kaarina Ghosn Comments on Part I Brian Tomlinson

Part II: Aspects of Language Use
6. Spoken Language Research: The Applied Linguistic Challenge Ivor Timmis
7. Vocabulary Alan Maley
8. Pragmatics Andrew Cohen and Noriko Ishihara
9. The Application of Discourse Analysis to Materials Design for Language Teaching Ben Fenton-Smith
10. Intercultural Competence Michael Byram and Hitomi Masuhara
Comments on Part II Brian Tomlinson

Part III: Language Skills
11. Reading Alan Maley andPhilip Prowse
12. The Teaching of Reading in English for Young Learners: Some Considerations and Next Steps Annie Hughes
13. Listening in Another Language: Research and Materials Rumia Ableeva and Jeff Stranks
14. Materials for Writing: Was This the Case of the Runaway Bandwagon? Jayakaran Mukundan and Vahid
Nimiechisalem
15. Teaching Speaking in a Second Language Ann Burns and David A. Hill
Comments on Part III Brian Tomlinson

Part IV: Curriculum Development
16. Implementing Language Policy and Planning Through Materials Development Chris Kennedy and Brian Tomlinson
17. Studies of Pedagogy Freda Mishan
18. Modes of Delivery Freda Mishan
19. Language Testing Washback: The Role of Materials Kathleen Bailey and Hitomi Masuhara
Comments on Part IV Brian Tomlinson
20. Conclusion: The Future of Applied Linguistics and Materials Development Brian Tomlinson
Bibliography
Index