Sexual Identities in English Language Education: Classroom Conversations

by Cynthia D. Nelson

Overview

What pedagogic challenges and opportunities arise as gay, lesbian, and queer themes and perspectives become an increasingly visible part of English language classes within a variety of language learning contexts and levels? What'sorts of teaching practices are needed in order to productively explore the sociosexual aspects of language, identity, culture, and communication? How can English language teachers promote language learning through the development of teaching approaches that do not presume an exclusively heterosexual world?

Drawing on the experiences of over 100 language teachers and learners, and using a wide range of research and theory, especially queer education research, this innovative, cutting-edge book skillfully interweaves classroom voices and theoretical analysis to provide informed guidance and a practical framework of macrostrategies English language teachers (of any sexual identification) can use to engage with lesbian/gay themes in the classroom. In so doing, it illuminates broader questions about how to address social diversity, social inequity, and social inquiry in a classroom context.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780805863680
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	10/22/2008
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Prologue

PART I
Introduction

Chapter 1: Queering Language Education

PART II
Teacher's Perspectives

Chapter 2: Teaching Multisexual Student Cohorts

Chapter 3: Engaging with Gay and Lesbian Themes

Chapter 4: Tackling Homophobia, Heterosexism, and Heteronormativity

Chapter 5: Negotiating Sexual Identities in the Classroom

PART III
Inside Three Classes

Chapter 6: ‘Not Animal in the Zoo’: Tony’s Class

Chapter 7: Invisible Outings: Gina’s Class

Chapter 8: Foreign Meanings: Roxanne’s Class

Part IV
Conclusion

Chapter 9: Framing sexual diversity as a pedagogic resource

Appendix A: Teachers Quoted

Appendix B: Transcribing Key

Appendix C: Students Quoted or Mentioned

References

Index

Editorial Reviews

"This book will be indispensible for educators contemplating the facilitation of sexual literacy, whether that learning takes the form of language lessons, sexuality education programmes, or teachable moments across the curriculum…Most refreshing of all is the constructive and expert advice of Cynthia Nelson, who succeeds in identifying realistic and exciting guidelines for the task [of integrating topics of sexual diversity into lessons]."—Journal of Language, Identity & Education, 9:2, 159-162

From the Publisher