This book traces the historical development of major language teaching methods in terms of theoretical principles and classroom procedures, and provides a critical evaluation of each. Drawing from seminal, foundational texts and from critical commentaries made by various scholars, Kumaravadivelu examines the profession's current transition from method to postmethod and, in the process, elucidates the relationship between theory, research, and practice. The chief objective is to help readers see the pattern that connects language, learning, teaching methods, and postmethod perspectives.

In this book, Kumaravadivelu:
*brings together a critical vision of L2 learning and teaching--a vision founded at once on historical development and contemporary thought;

*connects findings of up-to-date research in L2 learning with issues in L2 teaching thus making the reader aware of the relationship between theory, research and practice;

*presents language teaching methods within a coherent framework of language-, learner-, and learning-centered pedagogies, thus helping the reader to see how they are related to each other;

*shows how the three categories of methods evolved historically leading ultimately (and inevitably) to the emergence of a postmethod condition; and

*provides the reader with a solid background in several interconnected areas of L2 pedagogy, such as concepts of competence, input factors, intake processes, interactional modifications, and instructional design.

Understanding Language Teaching: From Method to Postmethod is intended for an international audience of teacher educators, practicing teachers and graduate students, researchers, curriculum planners, and materials designers in the field of second and foreign language teaching.

Reviews

"By bringing the concepts of method and postmethod together in one text, this book is certain to be adopted by TESOL programs that value tradition, yet recognize the need for innovation, especially in light of the geopolitical complexities of ELT....It will become a key text in shaping future developments in our field."
-Brian Morgan
York University

"As a teacher, I found Kumaravadivelu's book insightful, unique, and at times inspiring."

--TESL-EJ; December 2007

Book Information
ISBN 9780805856767
Author B. Kumaravadivelu
Format Paperback
Page Count 276
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Inc
Weight(grams) 510g