Society and the Language Classroom (Cambridge Language Teaching Library) [Hardcover]

Hywel Coleman (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521496160 | ISBN-13: 978-0521496162 | Publication Date: January 28, 1997

Society and the Language Classroom provides a new perspective on classroom research. Through a series of case studies, it examines the ways that learners and teachers behave in English language classrooms in different parts of the world, including Australia, South Africa, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, China and Pakistan, and at primary, secondary and tertiary level. Thought-provoking issues emerging from the case studies include the possibility that: - learners' expectations of what behaviour is appropriate in the classroom may thwart teachers' attempts to bring about change; - innovation may have unpredictable consequences unless careful study of classroom behaviour has been carried out. This approach to the interpretation of classroom behaviour has important implications, particularly for teachers, teacher educators and curriculum planners.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

This book examines the ways that learners and teachers behave in language classrooms.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 252 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (January 28, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521496160
• ISBN-13: 978-0521496162
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,737,303 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cultural relativity in the classroom, August 16, 2000

By 

Chris Elvin (Kanagawa, Japan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Society and the Language Classroom (Cambridge Language Teaching Library) (Hardcover)

Society and the Language Classroom is a collection of case histories from language teachers and researchers of the language learning processes in secondary and tertiary institutions from around the world, but with a major focus on Asia and Africa. The overwhelming theme of nearly all of these studies is that a conflict exists, either between the balancing of pedagogical and social functions within the classroom, or in the interpretation of what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior from the differing points of view of the teacher, the learners or the onlooker. Most of these essays are qualitative and ethnographic, and in nearly of them, I agreed with the interpretation and conclusion of the essayist, with the possible exception of that of the editor's. Apparently, in Indonesia, it's perfectly acceptable to come and go to the lecture room as one pleases, to bring one's mother or boyfriend, to eat, to smoke, to talk and to laugh, because this is what goes on at shadow puppet performances in Java and Bali. Mmm... very broad minded Hywel. Anyone western dog who would complain at such a scenario is guilty of Tibetan tea syndrome - saying that the tea tastes crap simply because it's called tea and is crap, not because it's crap anyway. Perhaps I am being culturally insensitive and shouldn't impose my western values about what to expect in a lecture theater from my limited world view (which is what the book is all about ), but perhaps Coleman could also have investigated whether there was any complicity between the teacher and the students (great bloke, gives us all As.) We have a lot of that in Japan. All in all, though, Society and the Language Classroom is fascinating and very though provoking, and I'm still (believe it or not ) open-minded about Indonesian universities. If you are a language teacher or researcher, or if you just happen to be interested in cultural relativity, there is much to enjoy in this collection of essays.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars It's been a month and I haven't received it yet., September 19, 2008

By 

Gregory Brundage (South Korea) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Society and the Language Classroom (Cambridge Language Teaching Library) (Paperback)

I'm a bit upset I haven't received it yet! Why not? I need it for work.