This article analyzes the construction of sign names in an emerging sign language from Mexico, the Yucatec Maya Sign Language (YMSL). Data comes from elicited interviews as well as natural interactions collected by the authors and signers from two different villages, Chicán and Nohkop. Despite YMSL being an isolate language, sign name construction…

Developing writing skills in a foreign language is a highly value-laden practice that is susceptible to the influence of the dominant ideological narratives of a given context. This influence is typically echoed in policies and practices informing the role, scope, and place of writing in curriculum and pedagogy. Using autoethnographic reflections,…

Spoken language in schools, now often branded as oracy, is seeing something of a resurgence of interest. This is well-founded and to be welcomed. Nevertheless, the policy-level coopting of oracy, as a concept open to various interpretations, raises questions concerning the desirable degree of prescription and conformity to be promoted in pupils'…

Dialogic education has become increasingly appealing due to the recognized value of dialogue for the development of students' thinking and knowledge. Yet, its appeal has not catalysed widespread adoption of dialogic education in classrooms due partly to teachers' uncertainty over the conceptualization of dialogic education and the presence of…

The idea of offering all children and youth an education that is experiential, student centered, engaging, and relevant to life is not a new concept (Dewey, 1938; Kolb, 1981). Preparing students with the competencies, skills, and character for full participation in the 21st century has become the vision of schools, educators, and organizations…

Just as forming letters is the motor skill component of writing, pronouncing--forming sounds and other features of the spoken language--is the motor skill component of pronunciation. The motor task for L2 (second language) learners is to invent for themselves the actions needed for pronouncing L2, either from matching a model they hear (goal…

The article analyses the problems arising in teaching English at a technical university, offers and describes a new integrated method of teaching listening, reading and speaking called the Communicative Circle method. The development of the pragmatic, integrated method of Communicative Circle builds upon the linguo-didactic, integrated, and…

The aim of this paper is to look at the impact of recent reforms to the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and Advanced Subsidiary (AS) curriculum in the UK, which included the teaching of literature in the language classroom in an attempt to make the study of languages more attractive and to better prepare students for university.…

This book is written for teacher educators who are looking for strategies to teach a foreign or second language in a more meaningful way whilst applying active methodologies to develop critical thinking skills. The book is designed to guide the readers through a series of simulations that provide challenging learning opportunities, similar to the…

This article suggests ways in which teacher supervisors and trainers on short courses can reposition their role by making the feedback conference more collaborative and trainee-led. The authors argue that by taking a more dialogic approach and exploring critical incidents, trainee teachers can develop reflective skills and take more ownership of…

The accelerative globalization and digitalization in the 21st century have been growingly changing the way we live, interact, learn and work. Consequently, to thrive in the 21st century, besides knowledge and the basic skills, today's students should also be equipped with what is called the 4Cs (communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and…

With the rapid change in cultural demographics across the globe, an argument is constructed suggesting that school psychologists implement peer tutoring strategies as a means to help dual language students and English language learners. Literature supporting the use of peer tutoring in mastery of second languages is reviewed. Specific focus is on…

Communication infuses all dimensions and stages of life, influencing one's self-determination and quality of life. A number of empirical studies have demonstrated that people with severe disabilities continue to develop communication and language skills well into their adult years and make measurable gains when provided with appropriate…

Recent research in the area of physical activity points to the benefits that kinesthetic activity has on learning. The use of movement during the school day has benefits for the cognitive processes of learners, including language learning. This article focuses on dual language programs, where students learn acquire literacy skills and learn…

Language and argument are epistemic tools that learners can use to help them generate and validate knowledge for themselves, as emphasized in NGSS and previous NRC reports. Not all learning environments elicit or support the use of these epistemic tools equally, thus affecting how students grow in competence in relation to their use. The present…