Second Language Teaching: A View from the Right Side of the Brain / Edition 1

by Marcel Danesi

Overview

This volume offers a practical introduction to the use of neuroscience to teach second languages. It provides information on the relation between how the brain learns and how this can be used to construct classroom activities, evaluates methods, syllabi, approaches, etc. from the perspective of brain functioning. It illustrates how teaching can unfold with actual examples in several languages.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781402014888
Publisher:	Springer Netherlands
Publication date:	09/30/2003
Series:	Topics in Language and Linguistics , #8
Edition description:	2003
Pages:	172
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.61(h) x 0.24(d)

Table of Contents

Preface. 1: The Second Language Teaching Dilemma. Introduction. The SLT Dilemma. The 'Method Response'. Grammar-Translation Pedagogy. The Direct Method. The Reading and Oral Methods. The Audiolingual Method. The Cognitive-codeMethod. Post-Method Responses. Communicative Language Teaching. Humanistic and Neurolinguistic Methods. The Proficiency Movement. Some Issues. Acquisition vs. Learning. Universal Grammar Theory. The Critical Period Hypothesis. The Role of Culture. The Foray into the Neurosciences. 2: Looking to Brain Research for Insights. Introduction. The Brain. The Cerebrum and the Cerebellum. The Brain Stem. Neuronal Structure. Memory. Historical Background. Cerebral Dominance Theory. Complimentary Hemisphericity Theory. Recent Trends. The Neurolinguistic Methods. Suggestopedia. Total Physical Response. The Natural Approach. Neurolinguistic Questions. The SLA = NLA Hypothesis. The CPH Issue. The Role of RH in SLA. UG Theory. 3: Making Second Language Teaching 'Brain Compatible'. Introduction. Two Modal Principles. The Modal Flow Principle. The Modal Focusing Principle. The Contextualization Principle. Practical Contextualization. The Contextualization Principle. Concrete Concepts. Abstract Concepts. Implications. Revamping Contrastive Analysois. 4: Fine Tuning the Brain for Language Acquisition. Introduction. Conceptual Competence. Neuroscientific Research on Metaphor. Conceptual Metaphor Theory. Extending the Theory. Revisiting the SLT Theory. Conceptual Systems in Contact. A Conceptually-based CA. Practical Implications. 5: Activating the Brain in the Classroom. Introduction. Repertoire of Techniques. Structural Techniques. Visual Techniques. Ludic Techniques. Humor Techniques. Role-Playing Techniques. Organizational Issues. Selecting an Appropriate Technique. Integrating Linguistic, Communicative and Conceptual Systems. Concluding Remarks. Glossary and Abbreviations. Cited Works and General Bibliography. Index.

Editorial Reviews

From the reviews:

"The goal of this book is to inform second language instructors and researchers of an alternative approach to SLT. For researchers intrigued by the brain-based learning approach, this book provides a simulating overview of this novel approach in learning and acquiring a second language. … This book is therefore highly recommended for language instructors who are passionate about applying the brain-based learning approach. For those interested in further reading in this exciting area … the volume provides an extensive, 28-page general bibliography … ." (Cheryl Choe, Korea TESOL Journal, Vol. 7 (1), 2004)

From the Publisher