Sociocultural Theory in Second Language Education: An Introduction Through Narratives (MM Textbooks): 11 - Softcover

Merrill Swain; Penny Kinnear; Linda Steinman

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1783093161 ISBN 13: 9781783093168

Publisher: Multilingual Matters, 2015

In this accessible introduction to Vygotskyian sociocultural theory, narratives illuminate key concepts of the theory. These key concepts include mediation; Zone of Proximal Development; collaborative dialogue; private speech; everyday and scientific concepts; the interrelatedness of cognition and emotion, activity theory and assessment. A final chapter provides readers with an opportunity to consider two additional narratives and apply the SCT concepts that they have become familiar with. We hear from learners, teachers and researchers in a variety of languages, contexts, ages and proficiencies. Intended for graduate and undergraduate audiences, this new edition of the textbook includes controversies in the field, improved questions for collaborative discussion and provides updated references to important work in the literature of second language teaching, learning and research.

Product Description:

Sociocultural Theory in Second Language Education

Review:

I welcomed wholeheartedly the first edition of the book co-authored by Swain, Kinnear and Steinman. The book presented a very accessible and engaging treatment of central concepts in sociocultural theory. I now welcome the second edition that seems to improve on what was already a very well written book. The major revisions include an updated list of references and a revised list of questions posed at the end of each chapter. This revised edition will continue to inform and advance research in the field of second language learning and teaching. --Neomy Storch, The University of Melbourne, Australia

This book is highly recommended and a worthwhile read for all those who seek to understand how sociocultural theory is entailed in teaching practice. The second edition continues to illustrate and explain the major concepts of sociocultural theory through the use of narratives recounted in the voices of language learners and teachers. Based on their experiences using this book in graduate courses, revisions include updates on research studies from 2010 to the present, expanded discussion questions for research and pedagogy, and the presentation of allied theoretical concepts that have recently appeared in the literature. The end result is that Swain, Kinnear and Steinman bring to life complex concepts of Vygotsky in clear and accessible ways. --Richard Donato, University of Pittsburgh, USA

The new edition continues to serve as an exceptionally creative introduction to the principles and concepts of a complex psychological theory and its implications for second language education. Rather than using vapid academic language to explain the theory, the authors beautifully lay out its principles and concepts through a series of stories told by real people as they grapple with the theory in action - an approach that Vygotsky would certainly have approved of. --James P. Lantolf, The Pennsylvania State University, USA

• Publisher: Multilingual Matters
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1783093161
• ISBN 13: 9781783093168
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 192