Professional-Preparation Books for ESL/EFL Teachers
© 2004, Dianne F. Dow
If you are new to the field of ESL/EFL
teaching, you may be questioning the importance of professional-preparation
materials. You may not sense an immediate need to read books about
language learning and teaching—especially books on theory.
Most teachers, however, discover a wealth of useful knowledge
and helpful guidance in the writings of the leading specialists
in the field. Novice teachers can read about everyday concerns,
such as how to set up a conversation class or how to foster genuine
communication in the classroom. Experienced practitioners can
deal with more complex issues such as procedures for curriculum
design and guidance for training new teachers.
Whatever your professional concerns, you can probably find the
help you need in one or more of the five categories of teacher-preparation
books we list. Furthermore, as you reflect on the theoretical
insights and practical ideas contained in these books, you will
develop a deeper understanding of your students and their individual
learning needs, and thereby become a more confident and effective
ESL/EFL teacher.
Theoretical Foundations
Theoretical foundations books provide a base of knowledge about
what language is and how it is learned. They draw on the contributions
of disciplines such as linguistics, education and psychology
to the teaching and learning of a second language. These resources
offer sound theoretical underpinnings and a principled approach
for the many decisions you must make as an ESL/EFL teacher.
Classroom-Oriented Principles and Methods
Classroom-oriented principles and methods resources serve as
a bridge between second language acquisition theory and actual
classroom practice. Although some of these resources overlap
with those in the first category (theoretical foundations),
the focus here is on sound information to inform your instructional
choices, from teaching approaches and methods, to language-learning
strategies, to the effective use of a textbook.
Teaching Resources for Specific Language
Skills
Since many ESL/EFL classes focus on only one or two skills
(e.g., listening and speaking, or grammar and composition),
many teacher resource books address only one specific skill
or aspect of language teaching. These commonly include: teaching
reading, teaching writing, teaching listening/speaking or conversation,
teaching grammar, teaching English for specific purposes (e.g,
Business English or Medical English), cultural aspects of learning,
and testing. Some of these books provide a variety of practical
activities and games that can add to your repertoire of classroom
ideas.
General Resource Materials
General resource materials offer teaching suggestions, topics,
pictures and word lists for developing supplemental activities
and creating your own teacher-made materials to use in the classroom.
Reference Materials
Reference materials equip you with a broad understanding of
the English language system, including more technical background
knowledge, that you can draw upon to answer tough questions
about the linguistic aspects of grammar, pronunciation, etc.
Some also offer ideas for presenting the material to students
in an easy-to-comprehend fashion.
Go to the Annotated
Bibliography of Selected Professional-Preparation Books.
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