Cambridge Handbooks for Language Teachers

Cambridge Language Teaching Library

Listening in the Language Classroom

John Field
This book challenges the orthodox approach to the teaching of second language listening, which is based upon the asking and answering of comprehension questions. It critically examines the practices and assumptions associated with this approach, and suggests ways of revising them.
The book’s central argument is that a preoccupation with the notion of 'comprehension' has led teachers to focus upon the product of listening, in the form of answers to questions, ignoring the listening process itself.
The author provides an informed account of the psychological processes which make up the skill of listening, and analyses the characteristics of the speech signal from which listeners have to construct a message. Drawing upon this information, the book proposes a radical alternative to the comprehension approach and provides for intensive small-scale practice in aspects of listening that are perceptually or cognitively demanding for the learner.

Paperback 978-0-521-68570-2
Hardback 978-0-521-86678-1

Values, Philosophies, and Beliefs in TESOL:

Making a Statement

Graham Crookes

This informative and insightful book situates second language teaching in a historical context. It chronicles the many influences and developments that have helped shape the language teaching profession today. Thought-provoking chapters, tracing the origins and evolution of language teaching, lead readers to consider their own views and values concerning their work. With its interdisciplinary perspective, this extraordinary book lays a foundation on which teachers can construct their own philosophy of teaching.

Paperback 978-0-521-74127-5
Hardback 978-0-521-51748-5

Professional Development for Language Teachers

Strategies for Teacher Learning

Jack C. Richards and Thomas S. C. Farrell

A practical introduction to ten different strategies that can facilitate professional development, such as peer coaching and journal writing. The ideal basic text for MA TESOL programs.
This much-needed text provides a coherent and strategic approach to teacher development Teacher Development for Language Teachers examines ten different approaches for facilitating professional development in language teaching: self-monitoring, support groups, journal writing, classroom observation, teaching portfolios, analysis of critical incidents, case analysis, peer coaching, team teaching, and action research. The introductory chapter provides a conceptual framework. All chapters contain practical examples and reflection questions to help readers apply the approach in their own teaching context.

Paperback 978-0-521-73232-1
Hardback 978-0-521-84911-1

From Teacher to Manager

Ron White, Andrew Hockley, Melissa S. Laughner and Julie van der Horst Jansen

This is a handbook for managers of language teaching organizations such as Directors and Assistant Directors of Studies, Academic Directors, and School Owners, including those moving into a management role from teaching or administration. It provides an introduction to key concepts required by managers of language teaching organizations, covering topics from strategic and operational financial management, sales and marketing and customer service through to academic and human resource management. This book is also suitable for candidates undertaking the Cambridge ESOL International Diploma in Language Teaching Management (IDLTM).

Paperback with CD-ROM 978-0-521-70909-5