Debates in ESOL Teaching and Learning: Cultures, Communities and Classrooms

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This book provides a lively introduction to the theory and research surrounding adult learning of English by speakers of other languages. Offering an accessible discussion of contemporary debates, the book examines a wide geographical and social spread of issues, such as: - How to understand the universal characteristics of learning an additional language- What makes a 'good' language learner- Multilingualism and the taken for granted assumptions about monolingualism- Learning the written language- Learners coping with oral communication outside the ESOL classroom- The effect of recent Government immigration policy on language learning processes.As a majority of adults learning ESOL are made up of communities of immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers, the diversity of social and personal histories of the learners is a critical dimension of this unique book. The question 'what is the relationship between themental processes of language learning and the social and cultural contexts of learning?' is one that threads through the entire text, bringing in discussion oftypes of classroom and language teaching methodologies.Full of practical activities and case studies, this book will be essential reading for any basic skills teacher undertaking a course of professional development, from GNVQ through to post-graduate level.This unique book provides a lively introduction to the theory and research surrounding the adult learning of English for Speakers of Other Languages. Offering a digest and discussion of current debates, the book examines a wide geographical and social spread of issues, such as: * how to understand the universal characteristics of learning an additional language* what makes a 'good' language learner* multilingualism and assumptions about monolingualism* learning the written language* the effect of recent Government immigration policy on language learning processes. As a majority of adults learning ESOL are from communities of immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers, understanding the diversity of social and personal history of learners is a critical dimension of this book. It also recognises the social pressures and tensions on the learners away from the classroom and discusses various types of classroom and language teaching methodologies. Full of practical activities and case studies, this book is essential reading for any basic skills teacher undertaking a course of professional development, from GNVQ through to post-graduate level.