Practice in Second Language Learning

This book explores practice in second language learning, with two theoretical overviews and two main sections: receptive and productive practice. The studies look at practice in English, German and Spanish in various contexts, with clear implications for classroom pedagogy and research.

Format: Hardback
Length: 290 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2018
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This comprehensive volume brings together an international team of researchers to delve into the realm of second language learning, encompassing a wide range of activities designed to enhance skills and knowledge in a second language. The book commences with two theoretical overviews that provide insights into the application of practice in the context of learning to speak a second language and in cognitive accounts of second language acquisition. These theoretical foundations serve as the guiding pillars of the volume, which is structured into two main sections: receptive and productive practice.

Within these sections, the studies explore the diverse contexts in which English, German, and Spanish are learned as second languages, including traditional classrooms, study abroad programs, and online language learning platforms. The diverse research designs employed in the chapters yield clear implications for classroom pedagogy and offer valuable directions for further research, teaching, and learning in various educational settings.

The first theoretical overview delves into the concept of practice as it relates to learning to speak a second language. It examines the role of practice in developing fluency, accuracy, and grammatical competence in a foreign language. The authors highlight the importance of engaging in meaningful interactions and providing opportunities for learners to practice their language skills in a variety of contexts. They also discuss the cognitive processes involved in language learning, such as attention, memory, and cognitive flexibility, and how practice can enhance these processes.

The second theoretical overview explores the cognitive accounts of second language acquisition. It examines the various theories and models that have been proposed to explain how language is learned and acquired. The authors discuss the importance of language input, cognitive processing, and social interaction in language learning and how practice can facilitate these processes. They also explore the role of motivation, attitude, and self-efficacy in language learning and how practice can promote these factors.

The volume is divided into two main sections: receptive and productive practice. The receptive practice section focuses on developing learners' listening, reading, and writing skills in a second language. The studies explore various teaching strategies and materials that can be used to enhance learners' receptive skills, such as audiovisual materials, language labs, and interactive activities. The authors also discuss the importance of providing authentic language input and promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity in language learning.

The productive practice section focuses on developing learners' speaking, listening, and writing skills in a second language. The studies explore various teaching strategies and materials that can be used to enhance learners' productive skills, such as role-playing, pair work, and task-based learning. The authors also discuss the importance of providing feedback and corrective exercises to learners and promoting language production through oral and written tasks.

The studies in this volume provide valuable insights into the diverse contexts in which English, German, and Spanish are learned as second languages. They demonstrate the importance of incorporating practice into language learning and the various benefits that it can bring to learners. The studies also highlight the need for teachers to be aware of the different research designs employed in the chapters and to use these findings to inform their teaching practices.

In conclusion, this comprehensive volume offers a wealth of information and insights into the realm of second language learning. It provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the role of practice in language learning and offers practical strategies and materials for enhancing learners' skills and knowledge in a second language. The studies in this volume will be of interest to educators, researchers, and language learners alike.

Weight: 596g
Dimension: 160 x 236 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781107131224