Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Pages: 146
•
Trim: 6½ x 9½
978-1-4758-5417-6 • Hardback • October 2020 • $36.00 • (£30.00)
978-1-4758-5419-0 • eBook • October 2020 • $34.00 • (£25.00)
Alex Poole, PhD, is an applied linguist and professor of English at Western Kentucky University. His research interests include Spanish-English bilingualism, grammar instruction, and reading strategies. He regularly publishes his work in academic journals and presents at national and international conferences. He teaches courses on language acquisition, the history of English, language pedagogy, grammar, and composition.
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1: Getting and Staying Motivated
Chapter 2: Dealing with Reality: Age, Aptitude, and Smarts
Chapter 3: Comprehension and Enjoyment: The Keys to Acquiring Grammar and Vocabulary
Chapter 4: Errors: Keys to Getting Ahead
Chapter 5: The Importance of Being Strategic
Chapter 6: Cultural Awareness: Feelings, Words, and Bodies
Chapter 7: Assess Yourself
Chapter 8: Relax: It’s Only a Language
The book is beneficial for both learners and teachers alike. The book presents research-based strategies to learning a second language, but you don't need a degree in second language acquisition to understand the book. The research is embedded in practical examples and real-life applications that are relevant and will connect to the reader. The strategies presented in the book can be implemented stress-free the very next day. For those frustrated with past experiences learning second languages, the book analyzes hindrances and provides them with practical strategies to overcome these obstacles and increase their proficiency. They will finish the book with a renewed mindset on learning second languages.
Teachers can utilize the information provided to understand the learners’ in their classrooms, and the challenges they may face when learning a second language. Teachers can utilize the practical strategies in the book to create learning experiences and an environment that better facilitate language proficiency.
— Rachel Wilson, Spanish teacher, South Warren High School, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Dr. Poole highlights the impacts both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation on the language learning process, and how each type can influence dedication to foreign language acquisition. Dr. Poole uses very concise and helpful scientific anecdotes of individuals/groups who have acquired another language. He mentions the multitude of outlets that provide content in another language – TV, movies, podcasts, books, native speakers, hobbies (such as sports), etc., valuable tools for those seeking to learn additional languages. This book provides succinct discussion questions at the end of each chapter that allow for reader reflection and understanding.
— Elliot Blanton, Spanish Teacher, Butler County High School, Morgantown, Kentucky
As a teacher, I know that students could benefit from Dr. Poole's explanations about strategies of proficient language learners (e.g., combining strategies, using metacognitive practices), as well as recognizing and limiting some tendencies they may fall into, such as first-language direct translation and focusing on individual words instead of identifying the context and making inferences. In addition, while Dr. Poole points out several typical amotivational factors--some physiological or psychological and others based on spurrious conventions of society--there are strategies to increase motivation and maintain motivation while honing learner discipline and giving the learner a better chance at successful proficiency with a second (or third) language.
— Nathan Chapman, French teacher, Ballard Memorial High School, Barlow, Kentucky