Early Language Learning in School Contexts

This book presents international research on oracy development in early language learning, focusing on the pedagogical implications for plurilingual classrooms. It explores the effects of language policy, collaborative learning and teacher intervention on speaking and listening skills in early foreign language and second language classrooms.

This book synthesises research on very early language learning in pre-primary organised instruction settings, using a framework of ecological development to investigate the nested systems in which very young learners operate and the influence of other agents on children’s foreign language learning.

This book introduces the main concepts and research findings of second language pragmatics in relation to young language learners. It also explores issues in teaching pragmatics and conducting pragmatics research with children, demonstrating how participant-centred data elicitation methods can complement traditional methods.

This book critically analyzes early school foreign language teaching policy and practice across six geographical contexts. Criticizing the worldwide trend for a focus on English, it argues for a broader perspective that values multilingualism and knowledge of regional and indigenous languages alongside a more diverse range of foreign languages.

This book focuses on ethical and methodological issues encountered by researchers working with young language learners in school contexts. The chapters are written by researchers working with children in different classroom contexts around the world and highlight how ethical dilemmas and tensions take on a complex form in child-focused research.

This volume provides a detailed account of the practical use of Assessment for Learning (AfL) in primary language classrooms. It gives an in-depth account of the ways in which eight experienced primary language teachers incorporated this type of assessment into their practice and discusses the possible impact of AfL on primary language learning.

This book brings together L2 pragmatics research in the under-explored context of EFL primary classrooms. Presenting studies from across Europe, the chapters provide a rich exploration of young learners’ pragmatic performance, awareness and development, classroom practices and the views of teachers and learners on pragmatics instruction.

This book provides an overview of additional language learning development and pedagogy among young children who are learning a language in addition to their home language(s). It integrates second language development theories and research findings with practice and will be invaluable to all those working with young language learners.

The volume unites research and practice on integrating language learning, teaching and assessment at pre- and early school age. It provides useful case study insights for policymakers, teacher educators and researchers, and practical ideas for practitioners who wish to implement greater integration of assessment and learning in their own contexts.

This book investigates both the theoretical and practical aspects of teacher education for early language teachers. It focuses on the complexity of teacher learning, innovations in mentoring and teacher supervision, strategies in programme development and perceptions, and knowledge and assessment in early language learning teacher education.

This book examines which factors lead to success in foreign language learning at an early age in instructional settings. The studies investigate learners aged between three and ten, their parents and teachers, and focus on the development of speaking and reading skills and how attitudes and motivation impact on the teaching and learning process.

This book investigates language learning by young learners in instructed contexts and the potential for mixed methods to allow for a comprehensive understanding of early language learning. Chapters present recent studies undertaken in numerous countries and contexts and examine the complexity of early language learning.