Teaching Languages: A Way and Ways (Methodology) [Paperback]

Earl W. Stevick (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Newbury House Pub (April 1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0883771470
• ISBN-13: 978-0883771471
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #743,600 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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5.0 out of 5 stars A 5, November 16, 2010

By 

Stephen Pellerine (In a bookshelf somewhere) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Teaching Languages: A Way and Ways (Methodology) (Paperback)

If you are entering the world of TESOL, linguistics, or Language Teaching this may be a great book for you if interested in and are required to develop a background into the history of foreign/second language teaching.

The book goes over several methods for teaching from the time-laden grammar translation method, to Audiolingual, Silentway, Suggestopedia, TPR, and more. Although I do not advocate these as a method one should be set on in the 21st century I do feel that elements of each have a place in our pedagogical tool box. A snippet of grammar translation would not cause harm with just reason for the inclusion (i.e. translation), as well as ALM (i.e. pronunciation).

This book looks at each method and provides a textbook review of how they would be delivered - and it does so without bias to inform the reader.

Again - there are more organic and engaging methods for the modern language teacher rooted in a better understanding of learning and language acquisition, but as a Masters student venturing into TESOL this is a solid reference. Also, if you find yourself venturing out around the world as an under-qualified language teacher this book will give you some quick ideas for class instruction and management. I stress that these may not be current practice - but you can start to build a pedagogical tool box (ways to teach) as in many areas of the world they are still employing such tactics.

A 5, I feel, is warranted due to the books contribution to TESOL as an overview of the methods (if historical) and for the encapsulation of such a range of methods in one book - not for the modernity of the approaches.