Capitalizing on Language Learners' Individuality

From Premise to Practice

By (author) Dr. Tammy Gregersen, Dr. Peter D. MacIntyre

Publication date:

13 January 2014

Publisher

Multilingual Matters

Dimensions:

234x156mm
6x9"

ISBN-13: 9781783091201

This book closes the gap between theory and classroom application by capitalizing on learners’ individuality in second or foreign language learning. The book examines the existing literature and theoretical underpinnings of each of the most prominent learner characteristics including anxiety, beliefs, cognitive abilities, motivation, strategies, styles and willingness to communicate. This strong foundation, coupled with the wide variety of activities that are suggested at the end of each chapter, arms the reader with ideas to conquer the problems created by negative affect and to capitalize on positive, facilitative emotions. The tasks are unrestricted by language and can be modified for use with technology, emergent learners and large classes, making this book a useful resource for both in-service teachers and pre-service teachers in university language teacher education programs.

This is one of the richest and most intriguing books on learner characteristics that I have come across in my entire career. It aims to kill two birds with one stone by offering an up-to-date theoretical introduction as well as a series of practical classroom activities, and it succeeds: the birds are definitely dead! I will urge my friends, colleagues and students to have a copy of this book on their bookshelves.