Exploring Language Pedagogy through Second Language Acquisition ResearchRod Ellis, N.Shintani

topics in Applied Linguistics. Designed primarily for beginning postgraduate students, those taking introductory MA courses, or advanced undergraduates, the series is also well-suited for language professionals returning to academic study.

The books adopt an innovative “practice to theory” approach with a distinctive back-to-front structure. This method guides readers from real-world problems and practical issues, through strategies for addressing them, and ultimately links these concerns to their theoretical foundations. Each title also includes a glossary of key terms and discussion questions.

Following this approach, the book begins with problematic issues in language pedagogy, examining them through the lens of second language acquisition (SLA). Each chapter starts by presenting pedagogical suggestions from teacher guides and then asks: Do these proposals align with what research tells us about how languages are acquired? Topics explored include teaching methods, syllabus design, explicit instruction, comprehension versus production-focused teaching, task-based learning, use of authentic materials, the role of learners’ first language, error correction, and addressing individual differences.

With no prior knowledge of SLA assumed, and including end-of-chapter glossaries and discussion questions, this text is ideal for students of language teaching methods, language teacher education, English teaching methodology, and SLA modules in advanced undergraduate and postgraduate TESOL and Applied Linguistics courses.