CIDER's resource center - new book titles

Advising and Supporting Teachers

Mick Randall, Barbara Thornton

Advising and Supporting Teachers examines the role of the teacher-advisor and how the key skills required for producing effective

feedback can be developed. The book is in two parts.

The first part looks at the processes of giving advice and the second part consists of a range of tasks for the advisor. The main purpose of

this book is to provide an opportunity for those involved in providing feedback to reflect on

the methods which can be used to maximise the effectiveness of the learning encounter.

This book will be of particular interest to everyone responsible for advising teachers

including teaching practice supervisors, mentors, INSET tutors, state education inspectors, Directors of Studies running

teacher appraisal and induction programmes and teachers working together as ‘critical friends’ in informal teacher development.

About LanguageScott Thornbury

'Scott Thornbury's book is a major contribution to this understanding, process and strategy. About

Language is definitely a book worth recommending to all teachers, both those with

considerable experience and novices.' Folia Linguistica Anglica, Poland, 1999

'The book provides a great wealth of ideas and strategies, for use in teacher development

programs ... The author and the publisher are to be congratulated on the production of such a

useful book, which will be a valuable addition to the professional libraries of teachers and teacher

educators.' VATME Newsletter, 1997

'I would have given my right arm for this book when I first entered the world of EFL. There are plenty of books that discuss what and how we should teach, and we seem to be swimming in

books on grammar . What we don't have, however, are books designed to ease the novice

teacher into the intimidating world of EFL 'grammarese'. About Language fill this gap. It is

about the tools of our job: syllabuses, rules, functions, notions texts, phonology, morphology, sentences, grammar, cohesion, conversation and

more.' BBC English, 1997

Alive to LanguageValerie Arndt, Paul Harvey and John Nuttal

'It is hard to fault Alive to Language as a book designed to promote language awareness among

those entering the EFL teaching profession. Trainers for Trinity College or RSA/UCLES

Certificate and Diploma courses can recommend it without hesitation.' IATEFL Issues

'The book is firmly grounded in the classroom, but the issues raised also have important implications

for coursebook writers and those involved in course design, testing and assessment.' ELT

Journal

Aspects of Language teachingH.G. Widdowson

Professor Widdowson provides a critical review of the most prominent issues in language teaching today - among them the relevance of theoretical enquiry to

practical pedagogy,

and the relationship between grammar and discourse in communicative language teaching. He relates these

issues to general perspectives on the nature of language and language learning.

In this broad overview of current theoretical and empirical approaches to the study of

bilingualism, the contributors examine the dynamics of bilingual language processing

over time from the perspectives of neurolinguistics,

psycholinguistics and sociolinguistics.

This multidisciplinary approach is fundamental to an understanding of how the bilingual's two (or more) language systems

interact with each other and with other higher cognitive systems, neurological

substrates, and social systems. Contributors examine the nature of bilingualism during

various phases of the life cycle and in various

health/pathology conditions. Topics range from code separation in the young bilingual

child, across various types of language pathologies in adult bilinguals, to language

choice problems in dementia.

This volume explores the field of contrastive rhetoric, the study of how a person’s first language and culture influence his or her

writing in a second language.The book presents a comprehensive view of the research in this field, emphasizing the

connections between contrastive rhetoric and the related disciplines of composition studies, cultural anthropology, translation studies, and

text linguistics. Connor draws on this research to provide

sound advice for dealing with cross-cultural issues in a variety of second language writing contexts. Her goal is to make teachers aware

of the many factors influencing their students’ attempts to compose effective texts

and to help teachers draw on the resources individual learners bring to the writing task. This book is a solid reference for researchers and teachers in the field of second language

writing. 

Recognizing that teachers are often involved in planning and developing courses as part of their responsibilities, the authors of this book have set

out to describe the factors which must be considered in constructing courses and materials.

They cover: the fact-finding stage, establishing realistic goals, surveying existing programmes,

realizing goals through instructional plans, selecting the shape of the syllabus, and considerations involved in constructing

communicative curricula and syllabuses. All of these aspects are considered against current

theories of language learning.

Examples of different types of materials are discussed, and the process of creating materials is described as the link between the syllabus and the

audience. The book ends with a survey of the practical issues involved in organizing writing

projects. The book is intended for teachers (and teachers in training) who may be involved in

course planning and materials development either on a larger scale, or simply within their own

institution. 

Using dialogues in different contexts, this book provides over 100 practical

activities for teachers to adapt for their classrooms.

These activities encourage learners to look at the English language through

dialogues and spoken interaction from coursebooks, literature and media, as

well as authentic conversation extracts. The book explores using dialogue to

communicate personal meaning effectively.

It covers dialogue as both 'product' and 'process' in language teaching and will

encourage learners to look beyond conventional communicative strategies and practise spoken language in a fresh

contextualised way.

This book offers a wealth of new techniques to extend the traditional

language-learning activity of dictation. The authors present some thought-

provoking answers to such apparently simple questions as: Who chooses the

text? Who dictates? Who corrects? What and how do they correct? 

The activities described range from the traditional, focusing on problems such as spelling, punctuation and pronunciation, to exercises which draw on the personal

experience, attitudes and opinions of both teachers and students. 

The fully revised edition of this 'classic' helps teachers give their learners the tools they need to express themselves through a range of stimulating drama

contexts. This completely revised edition of the ‘classic’ title Drama Techniques

provides: 

. 150 ideas for interesting and productive fluency practice 

. a large selection of drama-based techniques which focus learners’

attention on communicative tasks or activities 

. techniques suitable for all levels . clear instructions for the teacher 

. advice on how to use the techniques in the classroom 

El diseño de tareas para la clase comunicativa Serie LAE-Didáctica de lenguas Formato Rústica

Encuadernación 242 págs. ISBN 8483230461 Fecha de publicación 25-02-1999 SINOPSIS En

una de sus incursiones editoriales más celebradas, David Numan ofrece al lector una

introducción equilibrada a los aspectos teóricos y prácticos de la elaboración de tareas

comunicativas. Un libro dirigido a aquellos profesores y profesoras

de lenguas extranjeras -en activo o inmersos en programas de formación- que deseen desarrollar sus

propias tareas o adaptar tareas ya elaboradas. El objetivo principal es integrar la investigación

reciente y la práctica en la enseñanza de lenguas en un marco de análisis de las tareas de aprendizaje. El diseño de tareas para la clase comunicativa incluye un amplio abanico de materiales -publicados o no- que ilustran los diversos aspectos tratados en cada

capítulo. Ayudará a profesoras y profesores a diseñar tareas comunicativas para una gran

variedad de alumnado y a ponerlas en práctica en diversas situaciones de enseñanza.

Esta es una versión nueva y revisada de la primera edición, publicada en 1995. Más de la

mitad del contenido de esta nueva edición ha sido redactado específicamente para ella.

Desde la publicación original, este texto se ha convertido en uno de los más citados en el mundo

de la didáctica de lenguas.Entre los cambios que el lector observará, se encuentra la división de los capítulos en tres partes. La primera se ocupa de las grandes

tendencias en la enseñanza de idiomas del siglo XXI; la segunda aborda enfoques y métodos opcionales, y la tercera trata de los enfoques

comunicativos actuales. 

Enfoques y métodos en la enseñanza de idiomas pretende ofrecer una exposición completa de las

tendencias principales y secundarias en los métodos de la enseñanza de idiomas desde principios del siglo XX hasta la actualidad. 

La convicción de que la formación de los profesores de lenguas debe fundamentarse en la reflexión sobre la propia práctica docente inspira

esta aportación de Richards y Lockhart. A propósito de aspectos cruciales de la enseñanza de lenguas, como el análisis de las características de los alumnos, el papel del profesor, las pautas de interacción o la programación de unidades didácticas, la obra considera, de forma clara y

concisa, los problemas más frecuentes a los que se enfrenta el profesor en la clase, y proporciona

una variedad de instrumentos prácticos –cuestionarios, fichas, guías de orientación,

ejemplos, etc.- para resolver casos concretos y enfocar la actividad docente a partir de la

reflexión sobre la propia enseñanza.

Un libro escrito para el profesorado de idiomas que orienta acerca de la manera de preparar una evaluación que incluya todos los niveles en los que debe aprenderse una lengua:

desde la adecuada comprensión y la habilidad para hacer construcciones gramaticales hasta la capacidad de

argumentación y del manejo de distintos registros (lenguaje jurídico, periodístico, etc.), al mismo tiempo que muestra las deficiencias y las

maneras de resolverlas.

This lively collection of over 100 classroom activities allows teachers to exploit fully the language learning

potential of extensive reading. The activities, contributed by teachers who have used them

successfully in classrooms all over the world, introduce extensive reading to students, and link it with the rest

of the language curriculum. Here is a wealth of ideas for encouraging students to read, and for using students’ reading experiences for further language practice and

learning.

These creative and enjoyable speaking, listening, role play, reading, writing, and vocabulary activities are

suitable for students of all ages and levels. Each activity is clearly explained, together with a personal note from

its author. This is a handbook for teachers of general language courses, or grammar, listening, speaking, writing, or reading courses. It is written for teachers

both non-native and native speaking, and for teachers both novice and experienced. It will also be of interest

to teacher-educators. 

Five-Minute Activities is an invaluable source of ideas for language teachers, containing over 130 short activities for the language classroom: some are well-tried favourites clearly restated, others are new ideas or

variations. The activities are laid out simply in alphabetical order, with sections providing guidance on aims, preparation (if any), and

procedure. Sample material, where appropriate, is given in boxes. 

The activities are designed to combine learning value with interest and enjoyment. Most of them can be adapted to suit classes

of different levels of ability, and in many cases there are additional suggestions for

variations or extensions of the basic activity.

Almost all the activities can be student-led. 

This book, by one of the leading figures in applied linguists, provides a

wide-ranging and comprehensive treatment of the major issues in

applied linguistics. Its six chapters take the reader through the major

tenets and debates in the field and are essential reading for anyone involved

in applied linguistics and language teaching today. It outlines the

historical roots of the field and its major developments over the years, and examines current issues such as language modelling and the analysis

of discourse. While not neglecting theory, the book takes a practical

approach and language teachers, as well as university level students, will

find it a useful read. 

This is a practical guide to communication activities in the language classroom, suitable for use with students from elementary to advanced level. Part I

contains instructions for over 100 different exercises, including interviews, guessing games, problem solving, role play and story telling. For each activity, notes are provided on the linguistic and

educational aims, the level, organisation, time and preparation required. Part II

contains the accompanying photocopiable worksheets, making many

of the activities instantly available for use in class. 

En esta obra se presentan, organizados de forma sistemática, los principales conceptos relativos a la afectividad en la clase de idiomas desde las tres perspectivas analizadas: el alumno, el profesor y la situación de aprendizaje.

Todo un clásico, este libro ofrece al profesor de segundas

lenguas una intro-ducción exhaustiva al método

comunicativo. El autor presenta de manera clara y concisa

todas y cada una de las ideas comunicativas fundamentales,

un marco educativo que considera la lengua no sólo en

su función estructural (gramática y vocabulario), sino

a partir de las funciones comunicativas que cumple.

Language Activities for Teenagers has 99 new activities to coax, cajole and tempt teenagers into

learning English in a meaningful and enjoyable way. The activities have been specifically

designed for use with the 11-16 age group. This book contains material drawn from the real-life classroom experience of several well known ELT contributors: Judit Fehér, Jean Harper-Rüdiger,

David Hill, Hanna Kryszewska, Seth Lindstromberg, Bonnie Tsai and Tessa Woodward. Here they share some of their most reliable and

rewarding ideas on topics such as: • Maintaining discipline in the classroom 

• Using ice-breakers warmers, fillers and closers • Practising skills; speaking, reading, listening and

writing • Developing vocabulary 

• Using literature • Promoting discussion

The activities can be used alongside any coursebook and will motivate and engage even

the most reluctant learners.

Language Test Construction and Evaluation describes the process of language test

construction clearly and comprehensively. Each chapter deals with one stage of the test construction process; from drafting initial test specifications, to reporting test scores, test

validation and washback. In addition, current practice in the examining of English as a Foreign

Language by different examining boards is reviewed in order to compare testing principles with present test practice. The focus of the book

is on the practical: it does not assume a statistical background but explains and demystifies the

procedures and concepts that are relevant to the construction and evaluation of language tests. Language Test Construction and Evaluation will provide an invaluable reference for anyone who

wishes to understand how language tests are, and should be, constructed.

Laughing Matters is a resource book dealing with humour in the language classroom. It

provides over 120 activities which will inject some light-hearted fun into lessons whilst still being grounded in respected language

learning theory. Jokes provide teachers with a rich resource of patterned language use

and cultural knowledge. Humour is also a very effective way to help

students remember key concepts and structures. Humour can be one of the

hardest aspects of a foreign language for students to understand; yet it is also one of

the most rewarding. This book provides support for teachers in the form of

background information on humour and step-by-step guidance on how to carry out the

activities and suggestions for further work. It will be of particular interest to teachers who are non-native speakers and may need some confidence-building before using humour in

the language classroom. 

Over-reliance on the teacher may be at the root of common

classroom problems like learners unwillingness to do

homework, or to use the target language in pair or group work,

to learn from mistakes. This book offers practical guidance on how to help learners realise that their

contribution to the teaching-learning process is crucial and

encourage them to take an active role in their learning.

Learner English is a well-established and successful reference book for teachers of

British English. This new edition builds on the success of the original book. It has been

rewritten and extended to provide information on the typical problems and

error-patterns of a wide range of learners of English from particular language

backgrounds. It compares the relevant features of the students' own language with

English, helping teachers to predict and understand the problems that students have.

The new book has twenty-two chapters dealing with learners who speak Dutch-

Flemish, Scandinavian languages (except Finnish), German, French, Italian, Spanish,

Catalan, Portuguese, Greek, Russian, Polish, Farsi, Arabic, Turkish, South Asian languages

(with a separate chapter on Dravidian languages), West African languages, Swahili, Malay/Indonesian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean

and Thai. An audio cassette and audio CD are available separately. These contain

authentic examples of the various accents described in the book. 

Lessons from Nothing is an invaluable resource for busy teachers everywhere

who are looking for easy-to-use activities which do not require extensive facilities or preparation. It is a practical resource book of around 70 language teaching activities which encourage interaction

and co-operation in the classroom. This book includes well-known activities as well as original or relatively unknown ones. It provides new or trainee teachers

with an excellent starting point for developing their classroom technique,

while providing new ideas and inspiration for more experienced teachers. 

Literature and Language Teaching is for teachers and trainers who want to incorporate literature into the language classroom. The book can be used as a

resource by trainers working with groups of teachers, by teacher development groups or by teachers working on their own. Literature and

Language Teaching contains tasks and activities which:

* encourage reflection on some of the issues and debates involved in using literature in the language classroom * explore different approaches to using literature with teenage and adult learners at all

levels * suggest criteria for selecting and evaluating materials for classroom use * identify some of the distinctive features of novels, short stories, poems

and plays so that these can be successfully exploited in the classroom * provide a wide range of

practical ideas and activities for developing materials which teachers can use with their own

learners * encourage the observation and assessment of lessons using literacy texts * draw on literary texts in English by a variety of authors from

all over the world Each section of the book is designed to be self-contained so that users of the

book can select what is most relevant to their purpose. A key to the tasks and activities is

provided, as well as guidelines for teacher trainers which suggest different ways of using the activities

in the book as part of a training programme. 

This is a practical guide for practising teachers of English and teachers in training. It offers teachers a rationale and a variety of imaginative techniques for integrating literature work with language teaching. All the activities described in the book have been used successfully with a wide range of classes from intermediate level upwards. 

This practical resource book provides a collection of materials for use on mentor courses. It presents a range of activities

and processes for exploring the roles and duties of mentors and for developing and

practising the skills required. The book begins with a discussion of the principles

and practice of mentor courses. There then follow several chapters which provide a wide range of in-session activities. The final chapters provide suggestions and

materials for projects and assignments. The activities are presented in a user-

friendly format which includes guidance on aims, materials, classroom organisation and procedure. A special feature of the

overall experiential approach adopted in the book is the emphasis on roleplay,

which allows trainee mentors to practise their role in a sheltered and unthreatening environment. This book is suitable for all

those involved in the training of mentors. 

Stories can provide a highly motivating, engaging and realistic

source of genuine language interaction in the classroom. The

authors argue from experience that almost everyone can tell stories convincingly, especially given an

outline to work from. A very wide range of these outlines, from many cultures and sources, are provided in the book. These can be used by the teachers as a resource for teaching a variety of language

levels and skills areas. 

personalizing Language Learning provides guidance and practical activities for teachers

who are looking for ways to make the language learning experience more person-

based. Taking the learner as the starting point for all language work, the book

presents a range of ready-to-use materials which draw on the personal experiences,

thoughts, feelings and opinions of the learner.

The activities provide opportunities for learners to experience personally-meaningful content and to think about themselves in the

target language. Thus learning a language becomes a means of exploring and

articulating the self. These user-friendly materials will appeal to all teachers looking for alternatives to the often rather detached

content of many text-based learning materials. 

Games provide meaningful and enjoyable language practice at all levels and for all age groups. They can be used to practise any of the skills - speaking, listening, reading and

writing - at any stage of the learning process, from controlled repetition through guided

practice to free expression. 

To enable teachers to select the activities most suitable for their needs, precise information is provided, both at the

beginning of each game and in the summary chart, about the language content, the skills

to be practised, the level, the degree of teacher-control and the time and materials

required. Clear advice is given on preparation and classroom procedure, with

many illustrations and examples. 

Does the idea of lesson planning make your heart sink? Are you looking for a book that

will take the everyday reality of the language classroom and translate it into a successful

scheme of work? Planning Lessons and Courses provides a step-by-step approach to lesson planning. Although easily accessible,

the ideas presented are rooted in established educational theory. It contains both thought-

provoking analysis on the roles of the teacher and clear explanations of key

principles. The chapters are based on real life questions such as: * What can go into a lesson or course? * How do people learn? *

How can I teach? * What materials can I choose? * How can I get started on planning?

This book will help inexperienced teachers gain confidence in establishing sound working practices and will give more

experienced teachers ideas to refresh their routines. Planning Lessons and Courses

deserves to be on every EFL teacher’s desk. 

This is a resource book for teachers looking for ideas on making pronunciation teaching more interesting. It contains a collection of pronunciation practice activities for a wide

range of levels, using a variety of methods. Divided into two parts, the first part

introduces information about phonetics and phonology as background to the teaching activities, without being overwhelming. It

also highlights some of the current areas of debate and discussion in the teaching and

learning of English pronunciation. The second part of the book contains nearly

100 pronunciation activities divided into eight sections: Developing awareness;

Sounds; Connected speech: Syllables and stress; Intonation; Pronunciation and

spelling,grammar and vocabulary; Testing and Resources for pronunciation teaching.

Teachers are encouraged to use a variety of demonstration aids such as rubber bands and kazoos to highlight the sounds and

patterns, making pronunciation lessons fun. The book is packaged with an audio CD with

material to support the activities.

This practical resource book for teacher trainers and teachers of English and other languages provides

task material for training seminars and development groups. The topics are wide-ranging - from the

nature and processes of language learning to specific materials and techniques for use by teachers. The

Tasks are designed to stimulate meaningful discussion of issues related to language teaching and

learning.

The book contains 40 Tasks, of two types. The Discussion Tasks are designed to allow users to

examine general principles and issues in the context of their specific teaching circumstances, and to

exchange ideas. The Classroom-based Tasks provide users with a practical framework for small-scale

classroom research - testing out ideas, assumptions and hypotheses in the context of their own classes and learners. The book is suitable for: * participants

in courses leading to formal professional qualifications * teachers involved in institutional in-service training programmes * teachers involved in informal professional development In cases where it is not possible for each participant to have a copy of the book, the trainer may photocopy relevant pages

of Tasks for use by the participants. 

This book provides both a comprehensive introduction

to Business English for teachers who are new to the field, as well as inspiration

and guidance for those already involved in this area. It deals with a range of issues

from needs analysis and course planning to testing

and evaluation. The emphasis throughout is practical and a large part of the book focuses

on classroom procedures. 

This book is about developing listening comprehension skills in the language

classrooom. Part I deals with some essential background

issues. The author defines the characteristics of real-life listening, analyses the problems

encountered by language learners, and discusses the considerations involved in planning successful classroom listening

practice. Part II contains a wide variety of exercise types. 

The activities range in level from elementary to advanced and illustrates techniques

appropriate for both adults and children. The exercises can be used as they stand or they

can serve as models for teachers who wish to design their own materials. 

This book addresses the special needs of adults studying

English, particularly those who have immigrated to English-

speaking countries. It provides a useful summary of the

principles involved in teaching adults as well as a wealth of

activities specially designed for adult learners. 

This is a resource book of activities for practising common spelling patterns in

English. The materials are suitable for both first language and second or foreign

language contexts and contain activities to use with different proficiency levels. The book is divided into units with most units

examining one phonemic ‘sound’. Each unit is then broken down into three to five easy-to-follow lesson plans devoted to a different choice of letter for the sound being studied.

Teaching English Spelling contains: - detailed lesson plans which encourage student

involvement - listening activities to develop awareness of sound-to-spelling patterns - a

wide variety of enjoyable photocopiable activities such as crosswords picture

matching, puzzles and rhymes at three language proficiency levels - answer pages -

suggested ‘test words’ for each spelling pattern, also at three levels. 

This is a resource book of activities for practising common spelling patterns in English. The

materials are suitable for both first language and second or foreign language contexts and contain activities to use with different proficiency levels.

The book is divided into units with most units examining one phonemic ‘sound’. Each unit is

then broken down into three to five easy-to-follow lesson plans devoted to a different choice of letter

for the sound being studied. Teaching English Spelling contains: - detailed

lesson plans which encourage student involvement - listening activities to develop

awareness of sound-to-spelling patterns - a wide variety of enjoyable photocopiable activities such

as crosswords picture matching, puzzles and rhymes at three language proficiency levels -

answer pages - suggested ‘test words’ for each spelling pattern, also at three levels. 

This is a practical guide to designing and using oral tests of language ability. It is for

teachers, testers, course designers and educational planners. The book takes the reader through the testing process, giving

practical examples and discussing the issues involved at each stage. 

Testing Spoken Language: * describes the range of test-types and

discusses their suitability for different aims and resources 

* lists over fifty oral test techniques and variations, with comments on each 

* integrates the marking system into the process of test design 

* provides suggestions for monitoring and improving a test once it is in use. 

The Standby Book is an anthology of more than 100 language learning activities

contributed by 33 teachers. It includes complete lesson suggestions, activities which

can be used to build complete lessons, suggestions for variations and extensions of the activities, as well as sample material. 

The Standby Book has been compiled as a resource for teachers who teach young

adults and adults on general English courses, groups of business and professional people, students of English for academic purposes,

literature or those following exam preparation courses. 

Using Folktales provides over 40 ready-to-use activities and dozens of stories which are suitable for all ages and range from

beginning to advanced. 

These activities show teachers how to: * use folktales in the multi-level classroom * create their own materials for additional

stories * use oral storytelling techniques 

* adapt activities for students of different levels 

* integrate language skills and develop cognitive and academic skills 

* explore published and Internet sources for additional materials. 

Using Newspapers in the Classroom is a collection of

over 130 practical and creative newspaper-based activities to use with young adult and adult learners from pre-intermediate

to advanced level. The activities, which show teachers

how to exploit the different features and sections of

newspapers, are designed to provide motivating and

challenging learning experiences, as well as

valuable language practice. 

This book provides tips and suggestions to help language teachers use their classroom

boards more effectively and efficiently. It provides more than 130 activities for the

board to help teachers both teach and assess their ESL, EFL, or foreign language students.

These activities will also provide opportunities for students, whatever their age or level of competency, to: * learn and

practice specific lexical, phonetic, or grammatical items * attain increased fluency

in their writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills * teach and learn from their peers * benefit from visual and kinesthetic

learning strategies * practice self-assessment * get to know each other and other cultures better * have fun during the

learning process. 

Ways of Doing is a collection of over 100 stimulating and easy-to-use lesson ideas requiring

minimal preparation. The activities, which are suitable for

a range of levels and ages, include: examining the patterns

and processes in students' everyday lives exploring both

the mother tongue and the foreign language group dynamics exploring and

exploiting the coursebook ways of learning correction and

feedback. 

Working with Words is a practical guide for teachers on how to select, organise and teach vocabulary to all levels of students. It discusses the

linguistic and psychological theories relevant to vocabulary learning, describes with clear examples

traditional and current methods of presentation and practice, and suggests ways of assessing and supplementing the vocabulary component of coursebooks.