Understanding Language Classroom Contexts: The Starting Point for Change

Wedell, Martin

ISBN 10: 1441133070 / ISBN 13: 9781441133076

Published by Bloomsbury Academic, 2013

In English. Seller Inventory # ria9781441133076_new

Synopsis:

Arguably the whole point of education is to effect change in what people know and are able to do. Globalization has contributed to a common perception worldwide of the need to introduce changes to the teaching and learning of languages. The success of many attempts to do so has been limited by insufficient consideration of implementation contexts. Understanding Language Classroom Contexts explores and illustrates how what happens in any (language) classroom is influenced by (and can be an influence on) the contexts in which it is situated. A clear understanding of these influences is thus the starting point for planning effective change. The book considers many visible and invisible features of the multiple layers of any context, and provides a framework for understanding the types of factors that may influence whether changes (planned by a teacher or externally initiated) are likely to be successful. The book will help teachers (and educational managers or change planners outside the classroom) to understand why their classrooms are as they are and so to make informed decisions about what can or cannot (or not easily) be changed, and suggests how any changes might be appropriately managed.

About the Author: Angi Malderez is a freelance education consultant, and Honorary Senior Fellow of the School of Education, University of Leeds, UK.

Martin Wedell is Senior Lecturer and Head of International Education at the University of Leeds, UK.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Understanding Language Classroom Contexts: ...
Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
Publication Date: 2013
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: New