This commentary discusses the four papers that comprise the special issue on dialogic teaching and learning, while making general observations that apply across the field as a whole. Similarities and differences are identified over the concepts of "dialogue" and "dialogic pedagogy". The possibility is raised that some aspects…

Introduces this special issue of the journal. Most of the articles included are based on those presented at a 1999 symposium on new directions in literacy research at the International Association for Applied Linguistics conference. (Author/VWL)

Traces the roots of two dominant educational philosophies and examines the place that language teaching occupies within them, relating this to the methodologies employed within these contexts. Argues that the opposing views have a limited view on language teaching. (Author/VWL)

Focuses on the problem of cultural stereotyping in work on intercultural communication. Describes recent interest in culture in relation to language learning and the problematic nature of the concept of culture. Concludes that Chinese attitudes toward academic study are diverse, and argues that culture is a contested area of discourse. (15…

Argues that there are potential benefits in incorporating computer-based text analyses into methods for researching talk and educational activity in classrooms. Discusses the strengths and weaknesses of some existing approaches to the study of talk and collaborative activity and suggests ways that computer-based analysis of transcribed talk can…

Explores ways in which working identities are discursively constructed in contemporary workplaces, arguing that the construction of new kinds of working identities is a primary function of the contemporary workplace, a function mandated by global discourses of quality management and mediated by workplace educators at local sites. (Author/VWL)

Traces developments of English as an additional language in state-sector schools in England. Argues that the current conceptualization of EAL is linked to a particular view of the social integration of a linguistically and ethnically diverse society. Suggests that current thinking has led to questionable perceptions and practices associated with…

The continua model of biliteracy offers a framework to situate research, teaching, and language planning in linguistically diverse settings. The continua model is revisited from the perspective of international cases of educational policy and practice in linguistically diverse settings, and from a critical perspective that seeks to make explicit…

Examines the importance in the instructed-learning setting of the second-language teacher's "knowledge about language" or metalinguistic awareness. Discusses three questions: (1) Do teachers need to know about language?; (2) if so, why and in what ways; and (3) what impact does the level of a teacher's metalinguistic awareness have on the input…

Outlines writing theories proposed by researchers that have contributed to current second language teaching and learning classroom methodologies. Drawing on the insights gained from these theories, one English-as-a-Foreign-Language freshman composition classroom learning experience in doing practical research with first language Arabic nonnative…

Discusses the state of Victoria's (Australia) policy of mainstreaming English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL). Argues that the notion of mainstreaming has not been adequately addressed by research in this area. Explores the epistemological authority of an ESL teacher when planning curricula with a science teacher. Examines the importance of…

Describes and evaluates an undergraduate course in reading and writing across the curriculum at a university in Singapore, whose agenda was shaped by discourses on critical pedagogy and critical language awareness. Discusses the benefits and and limitations of a critical reading and writing program. (Author/VWL)