Examining Speaking


Book Description

An up-to-date review of the relevant literature on assessing speaking.




Studying Speaking to Inform Second Language Learning


Book Description

In a series of studies specially written for this volume, Studying Speaking to Inform Second Language Learning offers the applied linguist research on spoken interaction in second and foreign languages and provides insights as to how findings from each of these studies may inform language pedagogy. The volume offers an interweaving of discourse perspectives: speech acts, speech events, interactional analysis, pragmatics, and conversational analysis.




Assessing Speaking


Book Description

This book takes teachers and language testers through the research on the assessment of speaking.




Second Language Speech Fluency


Book Description

A fresh, comprehensive perspective on L2 speech fluency, making cutting-edge research and methods approachable and useful in practice.




The Routledge Handbook of Second Language Acquisition and Speaking


Book Description

This Handbook is a comprehensive volume outlining the foremost issues regarding research and teaching of second language speaking, examining such diverse topics as cognitive processing, articulation, knowledge of pragmatics, instruction in sub-components of speaking (e.g., grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary) and the attrition of the first language. Outstanding academics have contributed chapters to provide an integrated and inclusive perspective on oral language skills. Specialized contexts for speaking are also explored (e.g., English as a Lingua Franca, workplace, and interpreting). The Routledge Handbook of Second Language Acquisition and Speaking will be an indispensable resource for students and scholars in applied linguistics, cognitive psychology, linguistics, and education.




Speaking in a Second Language


Book Description

For millions of individuals all over the world, speaking in a second language is a daily activity. It is therefore important that research in applied linguistics should contribute empirically to the study of second language spoken interaction. The aim of this volume is to make such a contribution by providing research-based insights into current approaches to the teaching and learning of this skill. Two key dimensions define the papers included here−their novelty and scope. First, the book provides a novel approach to the study of speaking in a second language by combining recent findings in usage-based linguistics with current issues in teaching. Second, the chapters cover a range of theoretical perspectives, including sociolinguistic and interactional competence, gestures, dynamic systems theory and code-switching. The volume offers a contemporary analysis of research in second language speaking that will be of interest to researchers, graduate students, teachers and other professionals working in the fields of communication and applied linguistics.




Design Solutions for Adaptive Hypermedia Listening Software


Book Description

Adaptive hypermedia listening software enables materials writers to combine and deliver a wide range of digital elements on the same digital computer platform more efficiently. Such a combination and delivery provides a multidimensional, multi-sensory digital environment in which rich, efficient, instant, comprehensible, optimum, and meaningful input and feedback can be presented effectively and efficiently. Moreover, language learners’ attention can be drawn to forms and meanings in input. Such aspects correspond with different theories and hypotheses of language learning and teaching. This presents users/learners with an environment that is easy to use, tension-free, and optimal during self-study. However, to be able to design and develop cost effective and professional adaptive hypermedia listening software, there are certain scientific educational findings and implications that need to be implemented at every single stage. To have access to such vital findings is not so easy, and research must address this area. Design Solutions for Adaptive Hypermedia Listening Software explores how to design and create technically and pedagogically sound and efficient interactive adaptive hypermedia listening software for language learners in any language. The chapters will cover learner strategy tools, the effectiveness of this technology, best practices in adaptive hypermedia listening software, and the benefits and challenges of this technology for language learning. It is ideal for companies, institutions, teachers, policymakers, academicians, researchers, advanced-level students, technology developers, and decision-making pertinent government officials interested in designing and developing multimedia listening environments for language learners.




The Routledge Handbook of Second Language Acquisition and Language Testing


Book Description

This Handbook, with 45 chapters written by the world’s leading scholars in second language acquisition (SLA) and language testing, dives into the important interface between SLA and language testing: shared ground where researchers seek to measure second language performance to better understand how people learn their second languages. The Handbook also reviews how to best measure and evaluate the second language (L2) learners’ personal characteristics, backgrounds, and learning contexts to better understand their L2 learning trajectories. Taking a transdisciplinary approach to research, the book builds upon recent theorizing and measurement principles from the fields of applied linguistics, cognitive science, psychology, psycholinguistics, psychometrics, educational measurement, and social psychology. The Handbook is divided into six key sections: (1) Assessment concepts for SLA researchers, (2) Building instruments for SLA research, (3) Measuring individual differences, (4) Measuring language development, (5) Testing specific populations, and (6) Measurement principles for SLA researchers.




IELTS Collected Papers 2


Book Description

This volume reports research that informs the development of reading and listening assessment in IELTS. This volume brings together a set of eight IELTS-related research studies - four on reading and four on listening - conducted between 2005 and 2010. Findings from these studies provide valuable evidence on the validity, reliability, impact and practicality of the IELTS test; they are also instrumental in highlighting aspects needing attention, and thus directly inform the continuing evolution of the IELTS reading and listening tests. The volume reviews and comments on the specific contribution of each study to the ongoing process of IELTS reading and listening test design and development.




Assessing and Diagnosing Speech Therapy Needs in School


Book Description

Assessing and Diagnosing Speech Therapy Needs in School is a unique text that offers practical guidance in pedagogical diagnosis of speech and communication difficulties within educational settings It outlines theoretical assumptions of the diagnosis process and presents hands-on solutions for pedagogical and speech therapy. Underpinned by theoretical knowledge and written by experienced practitioners, the book equips its readers with tools to understand the diagnostic process and make accurate diagnoses based on each child’s individual circumstances. It starts by clearly distinguishing between pedagogy and speech therapy and outlines issues and theoretical considerations in diagnosing these disorders. To contextualize the theorical observations, it goes on to present case studies, and touches upon crucial topics including readiness to start education, tendency toward aggressive behavior, aphasia and hearing loss. The authors also elaborate on a range of selected diagnostic tools to assess specific difficulties in speech and language therapy. Finally, a list of resources, including games and exercises that can target reading, writing and articulation skills to help children develop, are also featured in the book. Highlighting the importance of practical and theoretical knowledge for those who work with children, this will be a valuable aid for teachers, special educators and speech and language therapists working within school settings. The book will also be of interest to students, teachers and trainee practitioners in the fields of speech therapy and special educational needs.