Li-Shih Huang - Böcker

Presenting comprehensive research conducted with learners and educators in a range of settings, this volume showcases self-reflection as a powerful tool to enhance student learning. The text builds on empirical insights to illustrate how language professionals can foster critical self-reflection amongst learners of English as an additional language.This text uses ecologically sensitive practitioner research that addresses issues of both practical and pedagogical significance in the fields of TESOL, language teaching and learning, and teacher education. By synthesizing interdisciplinary research and theory, chapters show how various types of self-reflection—including guided and non-guided; group and individual forms; and written, oral, and technology-mediated reflection—can promote autonomous, self-regulated learning amongst students at various levels. Whilst offering readers a strong grounding in the theoretical and empirical knowledge that supports self-reflection, the volume gives constant attention is given to praxis, with a focus on effective pedagogical strategies and tools needed to implement, encourage, and evaluate critical learner reflection in readers’ own teaching or research.This volume will be a critical resource for language-teaching professionals interested in critical learner reflection, including in-service, pre-service, and teacher educators in the field of TESOL. Scholars and researchers in the fields of applied linguistics and language education more broadly will find this volume valuable.

Academic Communication Skills is designed to assist international graduate students as they create their own opportunities to expand their linguistic and strategic repertoires in academic English conversations. The needs of international graduate students are often different than those of others who have learned English as an additional language because they participate in academic conversations at advanced levels, encounter daily opportunities to discuss topics about which they have sophisticated knowledge, and are required to share their expertise with others (in their roles as teaching assistants or research assistants). As students progress in their academic studies, they increasingly understand that their fluency in academic oral communications plays an important role in their academic performance and future career options. While they recognize the importance, many voice frustrations, finding that speaking English is more difficult than writing and engaging in impromptu dialogues is more difficult than presenting prepared monologues. This book is an excellent resource for either classroom instruction or for self-study. It provides effective confidence-building strategies that speakers can try when participating in a range of different academic interactions. By guiding both students and instructors in examining common conversational challenges in academic environments, including many of the assumptions that frequently cause miscommunication, the book provides proven strategies for increased effectiveness and confidence in cross-cultural academic conversations.