Project-Based Language Learning and CALL


Book Description

"This book is the first substantive scholarly book on project-based and cross-curricular language learning using digital technologies"--




Language Teaching with Video-Based Technologies


Book Description

This book explores the implications of technology-mediated project-based language learning for CALL teacher development, focusing on the role of video-based instruction in elucidating challenges and opportunities to promote learner creativity in the language classroom. The volume builds on existing literature on project-based language learning by extending the focus on the affordances of machinima, digital video created by teachers and learners to capture experience in 3D immersive games or virtual worlds. Drawing on data from a large-scale research project featuring case studies that examine different facets of CALL teacher education, the book calls attention to language learning and teaching strategies that encourage both learners and teachers to develop innovative approaches in the language classroom and how such approaches promote the integration of lifelong learning skills alongside traditional linguistic competencies. Offering a dynamic contribution to the growing literature on the interface of language learning and teaching and technology, this book will appeal to students and researchers in applied linguistics and language and education, as well as those interested in the latest developments in CALL.




Project-Based Learning Applied to the Language Classroom


Book Description

In Project-Based Learning Applied to the Language Classroom, the authors propose a way to develop PBL in the language classrooms taking into account all of the obstacles and specifics involved in teaching a foreign language. It is about teaching English as a second or foreign language using Project-Based Learning (PBL). We approach this combination because many people seem to think about implementing PBL in their language classes and ask questions about how to do it, but feel that there aren’t enough materials based on this methodology. In fact, most researchers and writers we have come across discuss the applications of PBL in the students’ mother tongue to subjects such as Math, History, Literature,Social Studies, and Science. However, there are few published works about the specifics of PBL in foreign language classes. Besides, it seems obvious to us that the main difficulty in developing projects in a second or foreign language lies exactly on the fact that communication may be hindered when students do not have enough knowledge in the target language.




Project-Based Language Learning with Technology


Book Description

This book highlights the ways in which insights from technology-mediated project-based language learning research can contribute to our understanding of both learner interaction in specific cultural contexts but also of the role of technology in language learning more generally. The volume situates the discussion within the context of the development of the field, from task-based to project-based language learning, and how these have been shaped over time by the evolution of new technologies. Using the case study of EFL learners in a Japanese classroom, the book adopts a multimodal approach to unpack this phenomena at work by examining learner collaboration in project-based work in a real-world setting. The volume provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the effective integration of digital technologies in the classroom and will be of particular interest to students and scholars in applied linguistics, computer-assisted language learning, task-based language teaching, and TESOL.




A Handbook For English Language Laboratories


Book Description

With increased awareness among students and teachers about the importance of developing English language skills and communication skills, language laboratories have become an integral part of the paraphernalia for teaching the language in all educational institutions. A Handbook for English Language Laboratories aims to develop students' ability to use the language accurately, appropriately and fluently for one-to-one and one-to-many communication in a variety of contexts. It also briefly introduces them to Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). The book is divided into three parts - Computer Assisted Language Learning, The Sound System of English and Communication Skills. Part one deals with the uses of computers and information technology in developing language skills. Part two endeavours to help the students learn the appropriate pronunciation of English. The focus here is mainly on the practical aspects of English phonetics. The information covered in this part, will help in overcoming the mother tongue influence (MTI). In an era of globalization, where you are expected to speak English with global intelligibility, Accent Neutralisation or Accent Reduction has assumed greater importance than ever before. Accent neutralization/ reduction attempts to reduce the mother tongue influence and makes spoken English sound closer to the American or British variety. Part three seeks to help students develop their communication skills. This section also provides practical tips for effective public speaking, preparing resumes, facing interviews, making presentations, participating in group discussions, debates etc. Key topics discusses: - The sound system of English - Accent, rhythm and intonation - Presentation skills - Preparing resumes and facing interviews - Group discussions, debates, role play and public speaking




Global Perspectives on Project-Based Language Learning, Teaching, and Assessment


Book Description

This volume provides a comprehensive account of project-based language learning (PBLL) which showcases key theoretical approaches, empirical research, technological tools, and research-based frameworks to help further PBLL implementation and research. Taking its cue from the conclusions drawn from project-based learning more broadly, which point to the impact of project-based work on learning and development, discourse socialization, subject engagement, and collaborative skills, the book highlights how these discussions might be extended and enhanced within the context of language learning. The volume begins with discussions of philosophical and theoretical models of PBLL and is followed by case studies from contributors from a range of learning contexts and geographic regions which demonstrate these models in practice, with a focus on the implementation of technology in such instances. The book also introduces resources for aligning projects with government standards in the classroom but also frameworks for researching and assessing PBLL. This comprehensive collection is essential reading for students and researchers in language learning and teaching, language education, curriculum design, and applied linguistics.




Project-Based Second and Foreign Language Education


Book Description

Dewey's idea of Project-based Learning (PBL) was introduced into the field of second language education nearly two decades ago as a way to reflect the principles of student-centered teaching (Hedge, 1993). Since then, PBL has also become a popular language and literacy activity at various levels and in various contexts (see Beckett, 1999; Fried-Booth, 2002; Levis & Levis, 2003; Kobayashi, 2003; Luongo- Orlando, 2001; Mohan & Beckett, 2003; Weinstein, 2004). For example, it has been applied to teach various ESL and EFL skills around the world (e.g., Fried-Booth, 2002). More recently, PBL has been heralded as the most appropriate approach to teaching content-based second language education (Bunch, et al., 2001; Stoller, 1997), English for specific purposes (Fried-Booth, 2002), community-based language socialization (Weinstien, 2004), and critical and higher order thinking as well as problem-solving skills urged by the National Research Council (1999). Despite this emphasis, there is a severe shortage of empirical research on PBL and research-based frameworks and models based on sound theoretical guidance in general and second and foreign language education in particular (Thomas, 2000). Also missing from the second and foreign language education literature is systematic discussion of PBL work that brings together representative work, identifying obvious gaps, and guiding the field toward future directions. This, first of its kind, volume bridges these obvious gaps through the original work of international scholars from Canada, Israel, Japan, Singapore, and the US.




Teacher Education in CALL


Book Description

This volume addresses the need for a more considered and systematic approach to teacher education and training in Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL), in all its forms: Technology Enhanced Language Learning, Network-Based Language Learning, Information and Communication Technologies for Language Learning and so on. The 20 chapters of the book are divided into five parts: (1) foundations of teacher education in CALL; (2) CALL degree programs; (3) CALL pre-service courses; (4) CALL in-service projects, courses, and workshops; (5) alternatives to formal CALL training. The chapters cover a broad range of levels, environments, countries, and languages. Rather than simply offering inspired speculation, the chapters provide practical information to readers, reporting on what has actually been done in a wide variety of teacher education programs and courses around the world. In many cases, the chapters describe how programs and courses have evolved, and include either qualitative or quantitative research, or both, to inform the structure of CALL courses, tasks and activities.




Task-Based Language Learning and Teaching with Technology


Book Description

This edited collection considers the relationship between task-based language teaching (TBLT) and technology-enhanced learning. TBLT is concerned with a number of macro-tasks such as information gathering and problem-solving as well as evaluative tasks, all of which are increasingly available via online and Web-based technologies. Technology Enhanced Learning refers to a broad conception of technology use in the language classroom and incorporates a range of interactive learning technologies such as Interactive Whiteboards and mobile learning devices. The popularity of Web 2.0 technologies (blogs, wikis, social networking sites, podcasting, virtual worlds), as well as practical applications of mobile learning, place a fresh emphasis on creating project-orientated language learning tasks with a clear real-world significance for learners of foreign languages. This book examines the widespread interest in these new technology-enhanced learning environments and looks at how they are being used to promote task-based learning. This book will appeal to practioners and researchers in applied linguistics, second language acquisition and education studies.




Teaching for a Living Democracy


Book Description

"This book shares a vision of project-based learning that is rooted in systemic understandings of social change and provides a pragmatic framework and tools for teachers to develop their practice in creative and sustaining ways. It demonstrates how to support different learners to produce intellectually rigorous and creative work by centering students' lives and experiences and offers the realistic perspective of a teacher working in an urban public high school. The text includes many classroom scenes and examples of curriculum design strategies"--