Customer Reviews

Principles of Language Learning and Teaching (5th Edition)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I bought this book to help me review theories of language acquisition. It is well-written and an easier read than the textbook I bought for my TESL methodology course. I recommend this book to anyone reviewing for a TESL comprehensive exam. It is not the book for you if you are looking for practical teaching tips.

Given the heavy-duty subject matter, Brown's "Principles of Language Learning and Teaching" is probably about as good as it gets. It's definitely not a book of general interest, but rather a compendium of the various theories that have influenced and shaped the teaching of second languages in the 20th century. It's slow going, but after a one semester course during which I plowed through and digested the material, I've gained a general understanding of the theory behind the practice. Babyboomers like me who had an unhappy second language experience in school will smile while reading Brown's explanations of the theories of the 50's, 60's and 70's, and why so many of us became discouraged. As a teacher of ESL now, I can only say things have improved a lot. In this new edition, Brown has included a section in the last chapter on current hot topics in the field. But again, this is for professionals or students, not general readers.

This book is excellent for developing a solid foundation as a language teaching professional. It can make you view first and second language acquisition and communication in a new way. If you are interested in language acquisition and communication, the book may help you describe and explain your experiences and to deepen your understanding of all the components involved in successfully teaching.

I purchased this book as a class requirement. In past classes, I would only read the material needed to complete an assignment. This book is so well put together that i actually ENJOYED reading the book. The information is very valuable and the book flowed like water down a peacefful stream. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in linguistics,ESL, or any other English or language discipline.

Brown's book is an excellent, comprehensive resource for TESOL students. It is professionally written and useful for language teachers.

H Douglas Brown, no stranger to the TESOL community, offers scholarly information about issues in teaching English as Second Language. Scholarly language interspersed with plain English from a real person.

I bought this book for my Education class and I am very happy with it. Great price here on amazon. It's very easy to read, comprehensive and interesting!

I've read this book, and I've taught students French at the University of Santa Barbara, I've taught students English at the University of Bordeaux in France, and I've been teaching students in Korea for four years.

I've also studied 5 languages, and I try to use what I think works for me for my students.

The basic information is fine, but I'm deeply skeptical about whether this guy actually has actually learned and become proficient in foreign languages.

I don't think you can teach a foreign language unless you have learned a foreign language, and at least have tried to learn the foreign language of the students you are teaching.

Unless you're studying Korean, you cannot teach Korean students English properly, because you'll have no idea why they make the mistakes they chronically do.

And, let's be honest: American foreign language teaching has failed epically. Americans don't learn foreign languages. Why should we trust them? Of course ESL is different but it doesn't apply to foreign countries b/c there's enormous motivation for immigrants to learn English.

This book makes me wonder what other books are written on this subject that my professor could have chosen. It is a dreary and obfuscating treatise on what should be an interesting subject.

The product was great, but I was extremely disappointed with the fact that it took over 2 weeks for the book to arrive.

I had figured that I had ordered the book in enough time given that the order was placed at least 1 1/2 weeks (10-11 day) prior to the start of my graduate course. Because the book did not arrive in time, i was forced to download the book online in order to complete assignments (which cost me more $). However, I managed.

This is not entirely the seller's fault I must admit. This is for two reasons: Firstly, I had originally ordered the book from another seller. Three days later I received a message that the book was no longer in stock with an apology. That seller should not have had the book advertised then. For someone who has time constraints (and I'm certain that I am not the only one on here), three days can be crucial. Secondly, when reordered the book from this seller (The Book Depository), I did not realize that the book would be coming from New Zealand or Australia (I forget which one and could even be off a tad..but it was a very long way from California...that I do know).